Occupational exposure limit values for chemicals

A hygienic limit value is the highest permitted concentration of a substance in the air at a workplace. Hygienic limit values ​​are divided into two groups: level limit values ​​and short-term limit values.

• Level limit values ​​are the values ​​that apply to an eight-hour work shift. A level limit value is binding and must not be exceeded.
• Short-term limit values ​​are used for substances that are fast-acting or otherwise particularly dangerous even during a short-term exposure. The measurement period for such substances is normally 15 minutes.

The Swedish Work Environment Authority's regulations and general advice (AFS 2023:14) on limit values ​​for respiratory exposure in the work environment contain limit values ​​for approximately 500 substances and groups of substances. The employer is responsible for ensuring that the hygienic limit values ​​are below the maximum permitted level. Mandatory measurements are required for:

• lead and inorganic lead compounds,
• ethylene oxide,
• cadmium and inorganic cadmium compounds,
• styrene, vinyl toluene or other reactive monomers in the production of ester plastics, or
• particularly hazardous synthetic inorganic fibres,

when exposure via inhalation may occur.