Industrial Hygiene Methods Exchange Network Database

View and Search the Database for a Method

Sampling & Analytical Methods for:

• WEEL Chemicals
• Other Contributed Methods

The Industrial Hygiene Methods Exchange Network (IHMEN) was developed in order to share information on IH sampling and analysis methods that are not part of the public literature. The IHMEN was started in 1984 by Mr. Nick Yin. In 2005/2006 the sponsoring committee, Sampling and Laboratory Analysis (SLAC) began working with the Workplace Environmental Exposure Level (WEEL) committee to identify and provide resources for compounds listed in the WEELs.

What Is It?

The IHMEN currently consists of two parts:

1. A table of the WEEL compounds and if available a method reference or contact for a method. 
2. Second is a database of unpublished methods contributed to share sampling and analysis information that may not otherwise be publicly available. Its purpose is to promote communication, preserve resources by avoiding duplication and ultimately contribute to the improvement of health & safety.

How Does it Work?

The IHMEN needs your help in the following two areas:
1. Identification of additional existing published methods for WEEL chemicals.
2. Contribution of methods developed in-house, either for WEEL chemicals or any other chemical for which there may not be a published method.

Contributors to the network send a list of substances for which they have sampling and analytical information to AIHA, along with a name and phone number and/or e-mail of a contact person.

SLAC IHMEN Project Team chair, Pam Kostle [phone (319) 335-4500]
AIHA staff support, Craig Sorrell  [phone (703) 846-0795]

Inquiries to the network are made by going into the IHMEN web page and searching by CAS number or name for the chemical(s) of interest. If the chemical is found, contact information is given in order to reach the submitter. If a method for a requested substance is not found, the network requests that you record the substance and inquirer information. If multiple requests for the same substance(s) are made, for which a method does not exist, the AIHA Sampling and Laboratory Analysis Committee will monitor this and these requesters can be contacted regarding possible joint efforts to develop methodology.

The network is not effective unless there is participation. We need contributors of methods to the network. We welcome any suggestions for improvements.

The Future of the IHMEN

The network is a unique resource, and we hope to continue to improve it in order to increase the usefulness and value. The following are some current ideas:

• Links could be provided to other sources of methods, making the web page a valuable resource in and of itself.
• The network could be expanded to include other related sampling and analytical information directly on the webpage, for example environmental methods.

We Need You

The network is not effective unless there is participation. We need contributors of methods to the network. We welcome any suggestions for improvements.

Please Contact:

SLAC IHMEN Project Team chair, Pam Kostle [phone (319) 335-4500]
AIHA staff support, Craig Sorrell  [phone (703) 846-0795]