"This report provides an overview of occupational exposure limit values and classifications for carcinogenicity within the EU for 47 (groups of) substances. The data presented allow a direct comparison of the available limit values and classifications.

To assure a safe and healthy workplace for employees working with hazardous chemicals, it is important that the exposure to these substances is minimized. For this purpose, it is necessary to determine the maximum concentration of a chemical in air that may still be considered safe. These occupational exposure limits (OELs) can be set at European level, at national level or by companies themselves. However, regulations for setting OELs may vary, so that for one substance several different OELs may exist within Europe. In addition to OELs, substances can be classified based on their possible carcinogenic properties.

Information on OELs was obtained from the Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL), the European chemicals legislation (REACH) -dossiers, and statutory OELs published by the Netherlands, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Finland. Further, data on classification for carcinogenicity was obtained from the European Commission and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)."

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