The environmental Monitoring systems Laboratory/Research Triangle Park, N. C. (EMSL/RTP) has the responsibility within EPA of developing methods of monitoring for present and future regulated pollutants. Consequently, EMSL/RTP has prepared a three-year methods development strategy in the area of methods development for air pollutants. This article addresses three major areas of concern: ambient, source, and exposure monitoring. Each of these areas is further divided into four categories: inorganic particulate matter, inorganic gases, organic particulate matter, and organic gases. The problems and needs inherent in both sampling and analysis phases are discussed.