What is the purpose of TLVs?

The purpose of Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) is primarily to indicate safe exposure levels to various substances without resulting in adverse health effects. TLVs are established guidelines developed by the American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and are intended to protect worker health by providing limits on the concentration of hazardous substances in the workplace air.

By establishing these acceptable concentrations, TLVs serve as a benchmark for evaluating the health risks associated with exposure to chemicals. They are informed by scientific research and are used by occupational safety professionals to assess risks in the workplace, facilitating the implementation of measures to minimize exposure and enhance worker safety.

Although determining tolerable levels of exposure and establishing maximum occupational toxic levels are related concepts, TLVs specifically focus on maintaining safe exposure levels, which supports the overall goal of protecting workers from possible health impacts due to prolonged or high-level exposure to harmful substances. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the core purpose of TLVs in occupational health.