Exposure Limits
OSHA PEL · ACGIH TLV · NIOSH REL limits with workplace context. Browse 30 common solvents, or look up any chemical live from PubChem, each limit explained in plain language.
How to use this tool
Look up the airborne exposure limits for a workplace chemical, the concentrations regulators consider safe over a work shift. Use it to gauge ventilation needs or interpret an air-monitoring result.
What to enter
- Common limits: type to filter the table of 30 frequently-used solvents (a partial name works, e.g. chlor). Instant, no network.
- Look up any chemical: switch tabs, type a name or CAS, then press Look up (or Enter) to read the limits and GHS hazards live from PubChem for any substance, not just the common 30.
Reading the result
Limits are given as three values, in ppm unless noted, as 8-hour time-weighted averages: PEL (OSHA, legally enforceable in the US), TLV (ACGIH consensus), and REL (NIOSH recommended). "(C)" marks a ceiling never to exceed, "STEL" a 15-minute short-term limit, and the Note column flags carcinogens or skin absorption. Lower numbers mean more hazardous. A live lookup adds the verbatim regulatory text plus a glossary of every term. Always confirm against the current SDS and your jurisdiction.
Worked example
Searching benzene returns OSHA PEL 1 ppm, ACGIH TLV 0.5 ppm, NIOSH REL 0.1 ppm, flagged a carcinogen.
About these limits
Values are 8-hour time-weighted averages (TWA) in ppm unless noted. PEL = OSHA permissible exposure limit (legally enforceable, US). TLV = ACGIH threshold limit value (consensus). REL = NIOSH recommended limit. Always confirm against the current SDS and your jurisdiction, EU IOELVs and national OELs may differ.
Sources
- The 30-solvent table is curated from OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z, the NIOSH Pocket Guide and the ACGIH TLV booklet.
- Look up any chemical reads the limits and GHS hazards live from PubChem via a same-origin proxy (PubChem aggregates the OSHA, NIOSH and ACGIH values). Text is shown verbatim; lower numbers mean more hazardous.