An exposure value, within the context of workplace health, is the measure of the concentration level of a toxic substance in the air that a worker can tolerate safely without any risk to their health. It is used as a guideline where workers are exposed to hazards that can cause harm after the fact. Exposure value is measured in parts-per million or milligram per cubic meter.
Exposure Value is set out in guidelines formulated by organizations such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Exposure value can be classified according to three types – Time-weighted average, Short-term exposure, and Ceiling. Time-weighted average is the average concentration of toxins in the air over and 8 hour period as well as over a 40 hour working week. Short-term exposure is the 15 minute weighted average of time a worker can be exposed to a toxin in an 8 hour day. Ceiling is the maximum concentration exposure permitted.
Synonyms
Threshold Limit Value, Occupational Exposure Limits
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