What is PEL for PCBs?

The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) is an occupational health standard established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to protect workers from the potential hazards of airborne exposure.

Understanding PCB Exposure Limits

PCBs are synthetic organic chemicals that were widely used in various industrial and commercial applications due to their non-flammability, chemical stability, and excellent insulating properties. However, their production was banned in the United States in 1979 due to evidence of their persistence in the environment and potential harmful effects on human health. Exposure to PCBs, particularly through inhalation, can pose risks, including damage to the liver.

To regulate workplace exposure, specific limits have been set:

OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)

OSHA has established different PELs for PCBs based on their chlorine content, measured as an 8-hour time-weighted average. These limits are legally enforceable to ensure worker safety.

NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL)

Beyond OSHA's legal limits, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provides a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for PCBs, which is often more stringent and represents a level at which workers can be exposed for a working lifetime without adverse health effects.

• NIOSH REL for PCBs: 0.001 mg/m³ averaged over a 10-hour workshift.

These limits are crucial for implementing proper controls and monitoring in workplaces where PCBs might still be present, such as during remediation of contaminated sites or maintenance of older equipment. Further details on these hazardous substances can often be found in specific state health department resources, such as the Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet available from the New Jersey Department of Health: Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet - NJ.gov