The future of occupational exposure limits: with OSHA's PEL process stalled and voluntary exposure guidelines under attack, it is time to look at other paths for developing scientifically sound exposure limits. From: Occupational Hazards | Date: July 1, 2002| Author: Meagher, John F. | COPYRIGHT 2002 Penton Media, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

The processes for establishing voluntary occupational exposure limits (OELs) by nonprofit organizations have been legally and scientifically challenged recently. This follows a long history of legal challenges to the standards developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The uncertain future that OEL development faces is a critical concern for safety and health practice in the United States and around the world.

The industrial hygiene profession...