What do the recommended exposure limits (RELs) indicate?

Recommended exposure limits (RELs) are established guidelines that indicate the maximum concentration of a substance to which workers may be exposed without experiencing adverse health effects. These limits are derived from scientific studies, assessing the safety of various concentrations of chemicals and their effects on health.

This emphasis on the lowest detectable concentrations with analytic techniques is crucial in understanding RELs as it provides a baseline for safety critical in occupational health. RELs do not represent the highest concentrations found in studies, as they are focused on safety rather than maximum exposure levels observed. They are also not theoretical concentrations, since they are grounded in empirical evidence and scientific research. Additionally, while they serve to identify unsafe levels for workers, the definition of RELs specifically pertains to detectable and observable concentrations that should not be surpassed to ensure worker safety.