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Exposure Limits

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The Toxicant Induction of Irritant Asthma, Rhinitis, and Related Conditions

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Abstract

Exposure limits are concentrations in air of potentially harmful chemicals that should not be exceeded in the workplace. Regional and national exposure limits are arrived at by private and governmental groups by considering available data which may be limited. The intent is to protect the majority of workers from harmful effects of occupational chemicals. Some but not all have the force of law. Exposure limits are often modified as new data becomes available. Difficulties with exposure limits include lack of applicability to mixtures of chemicals with synergistic toxicities and inability to protect sensitivity populations such as asthmatics and those with impaired detoxification abilities.

If you give an employer some poison repeatedly, it is called a crime. If your employer does this to you, it is called an exposure limit.

Dr. James Keogh, Occupational Medicine Physician.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Occupational and Environmental Health, 16926 Eyler’s Valley Road, Emmitsburg, MD, 21727-9729, USA

    Grace Ziem M.D., M.P.H., D.P.H.

Authors
  1. Grace Ziem M.D., M.P.H., D.P.H.
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA

    William J. Meggs

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Ziem, G. (2013). Exposure Limits. In: Meggs, W. (eds) The Toxicant Induction of Irritant Asthma, Rhinitis, and Related Conditions. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9044-9_8

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