Occupational exposure limits

Occupational exposure limits are the maximum allowable concentrations of hazardous elements in the air. They are defined by scientific laboratories in order to control the level of pollution in different areas. Occupational exposure limits are the concentrations that do not directly or indirectly influence the human or its posterity, do not decrease capacity for work, the overall health of people, as well as sanitary and hygienic conditions of work.

The level of dangerous air pollution is directly connected with the level of industrial development of cities. Pollution of a city with specific pollutants depends on the types of industries developed in it. If a large city has several industrial plants it leads to very high concentration of deadly components in the air, although in many countries extensive measures are being taken in order to decrease the amount of such pollutants into the air (special air filters are being installed, technologies of production are being gradually changed etc.).

Generalization of information about occupational exposure limits is performed in special laboratories (usually being a part of competent national authorities) that compare the information received from certain areas with the indicators of allowable concentration of pollutants in the air and then define when and to what extent the allowable limit has been exceeded.

Occupational exposure limits are usually enforced by competent legislative authorities in order to protect occupational safety and health.