Occupational exposure limit (OEL)

The occupational exposure limit (OEL) is a legally defined value that indicates the maximum concentration of a substance in the air at the workplace in order not to endanger the health of workers. The OEL is usually expressed in milligrams per cubic metre (mg/m³) or in parts per million (ppm) and refers to the average exposure over a certain period of time (e.g. 8 hours per day).

Occupational exposure limits are set on the basis of scientific knowledge and experience and are used to minimise work-related health hazards. The AGW is set by various institutions such as the European Union, the Ministry of Labour or the Berufsgenossenschaft and is regularly updated to reflect the current state of science and technology.