Criteria for Short-Term Exposures to Air Pollutants.
Abstract
The National Research Council's Committee on Toxicology recommends emergency exposure limits (EELs), short-term public limits (STPLs), and short term public emergency limits (SPELs) for a variety of military and space chemicals. This document discusses the factors to be considered in setting limits for predictable and unpredictable short-term exposures to these chemicals. The kinds of information required for setting limits are identified and include data from experimental exposures of humans and animals, general observations on the effects of exposures of individuals, and epidemiologic observations. Other subjects discussed are nuisance effects, effects on vegetation, livestock, and materials, and possible long-term effects of short-term exposures. The process of establishing short-term exposure limits for air pollutants requires experienced judgment in selecting and evaluating the pertinent information. Use of reliable dose-response data from human exposure is the method of choice in selecting exposure limits. These data are rarely available; therefore, animal studies are usually used. Interpretation of the data and the approaches considered by the Committee in translating animal data to establishing exposure limits for humans are discussed. The EELs, STPLs, and SPELs are defined and compared with other exposure limits recommended by various organizations. Some of the judgmental considerations for balancing the risks of short-term exposures are also discussed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA087853