CRITICAL EFFECTS AND EXPOSURE LIMITS

The use of critical effects in the determination of occupational expos ure limits (OELs) in Sweden is subjected to a statistical study. Many of the present OELs are high in relation to known noeffect levels and effect levels, and the degree of protection has a surprisingly weak co rrelation with the seriousness of the adverse effect. Several proposal s for improved procedures are put forward. One of these is to suppleme nt the concept of critical effects with that of dominant effects. A do minant effect of a substance is a health effect that is at some concen tration the most serious health effect.