Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to provide technical information about the management of occupational exposure limits(OELs) for substances with completely revised ACGIH TLVs. Methods: The history of ACGIH TLVs for aluminum compounds, the reason for the complete revision of the related ACGIH TLV in 2008, and OELs for them in respective countries were reviewed. In addition, the results of a 2019 work environment assessment for aluminum compounds in Korea were reviewed. Results: In 1979, the ACGIH set up the TLVs for aluminum compounds considering types of compounds such as metal dust, pyro powders, welding fumes, soluble salts, alkyls, and aluminum oxide. However, in 2008 the ACGIH withdrew the TLVs for all types of aluminum and its compounds and adopted new TLVs for aluminum metal and insoluble compounds. This can cause confusion in many countries in the management of exposure to aluminum compounds because they adopt or refer to the ACGIH TLVs. Conclusion: Although Korea is setting occupational exposure limits by referring to the ACGIH's TLVs, it is necessary to sufficiently review whether it is necessary to accept the TLVs as they are if a TLV is completely changed, like took place with the revision of aluminum compounds in 2008.
