Industrial Hygiene Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, September 21, 2026

A recent bulletin from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) warns that millions of workers are exposed to chemicals that may damage hearing, particularly when those exposures occur alongside excessive workplace noise.

While hearing loss is often linked to loud noise, NIOSH explains that certain chemicals, known as ototoxic chemicals, can also damage the inner ear and auditory nerves. These substances are commonly found in paints, solvents, pesticides, industrial cleaners, engine exhaust, and heavy metals such as lead.

NIOSH estimates that approximately 22 million workers in the United States are exposed to ototoxic chemicals each year, with roughly 12 million exposed to both hazardous noise and ototoxic chemicals simultaneously. Industries with elevated risks include mining, construction, agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing.

Chemical-related hearing loss may develop gradually and can resemble traditional noise-induced hearing loss. In some cases, these exposures may also affect how the brain processes sound, making speech more difficult to understand in noisy settings.

NIOSH stresses that occupational hearing loss is preventable. Recommended measures include using safer chemical alternatives when feasible, improving ventilation, maintaining equipment, limiting time around hazards, and using proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, respirators, and hearing protection.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides environmental and industrial hygiene laboratory testing services to help identify exposure risks associated with solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, and other potentially hazardous substances. EMSL also offers air sampling media, sampling supplies, monitoring instruments, and PPE to support exposure assessments, regulatory compliance, and worker protection programs.

“Recognizing workplace exposure risks is an important step in protecting employees from preventable occupational health concerns,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Laboratory testing, reliable sampling equipment, and appropriate PPE can help organizations reduce hazardous exposures and maintain safer work environments.”

EMSL Analytical also recently sponsored an educational video about chemical exposure and hearing loss: https://youtu.be/2H6BQaRFT7Q

To learn more about EMSL’s industrial hygiene and environmental resources, visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email [email protected].

 

 

 

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.