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New Swedish occupational standards for some organic solvents
P Lundberg1, A Löf, G Johanson
1Department of Toxicology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Solna, Sweden.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Swedish regulators investigated reducing permissible exposure levels (PELs) for organic solvents by 50%. Many solvents saw suggested reductions, with some PELs lowered by factors beyond just health concerns, incorporating feasibility.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- In 1987, the Swedish government initiated a review of permissible exposure levels (PELs) for organic solvents.
- The investigation focused on the potential impact of a 50% reduction in these exposure limits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the consequences of reducing PELs for organic solvents.
- To determine appropriate revised exposure limits for various solvents based on scientific and feasibility criteria.
Main Methods:
- Reviewed 29 organic solvents for potential PEL reductions.
- Evaluated available scientific data and considered technological/economic feasibility for setting new PELs.
Main Results:
- Suggested PEL reductions for 25 out of 29 investigated solvents.
- Identified scientific justification for PEL reduction in 13 solvents.
- Found no specific biomedical data for 12 solvents, suggesting other criteria influenced decisions.
Conclusions:
- Technological and economic feasibility criteria can lead to lower PELs than health-based criteria alone.
- The findings align with the Swedish Work Environment Act's objectives regarding workplace safety.