Air monitoring techniques need to be simple, unobtrusive, acquire real-time data, have increased sensitivity, and the ability to analyze many compounds simultaneously. Optical remote sensing techniques address many of these criteria for air monitoring methods. Optical remote sensing uses light energy between ultraviolet and midinfrared to detect and measure contaminants in situ. While optical remote monitoring techniques provide similar monitoring accuracy compared to conventional monitoring methods, they also provide certain unique advantages. Advantages and disadvantages of specific optical remote sensing techniques is discussed in this review, which focuses on the techniques most useful to the industrial hygiene profession. Detailed information about every technique will not be supplied; rather the review attempts to provide an understanding of the development of the remote sensing techniques, and briefly explains typical applications, so that readers can understand and evaluate applications appropriate to their work.