Occupational exposure limit values for chemicals

Chemical substances/products may be subject to occupational exposure limit values. This applies to dust, smoke, mist, gas and steam, and the exposure limit values are binding (i.e. must be complied with). The occupational exposure limit value is the highest concentration of a substance that is permitted in the workplace. 

Many exposure limit values for dust refer to inhalable dust (not the total dust content). Some chemical substances can be absorbed by the body, both through the lungs and through the skin. This primarily applies to substances that are liquids or gases. Substances that are readily absorbed by the body through the skin are marked with an H in the list of exposure limit values.

In the Swedish Work Environment Authority's regulation Hygienic limit values (AFS 2018:1), there is an alphabetical list of substances subject to exposure limit values. Information on individual chemicals is also available in the KLARA chemical management system. Further information on air pollution and limit values can also be found on the Swedish Work Environment Authority's website on air pollution and exposure limit values. 

Level limit values (LLV) are the values that are usually meant when referring to occupational exposure limits. The values are measured for eight hours and should correspond to an eight-hour shift.

Short-term limit values (STLV) are limit values for short-term exposure, e.g. 15 minutes (the reference time depends on the substance in question). Short-term limit values may be either binding or indicative. A binding STLV may not be exceeded.