Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) (definition of)

Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) are determined by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). This federal agency issues regulations that are applied to workplace environments; these are intended to protect workers against injury and illness due to hazardous conditions and substances. PELs limit amounts or concentrations of a regulated substance in the workplace environment.

OSHA regulations require that asbestos particles in the workplace cannot exceed 0.2 fibers (one-fifth of a single fiber) per cubic centimeter of air (or one fiber for every five cm3) during an eight-hour work shift. This can increase to one fiber per cubic centimeter during shorter shifts. Employers who fail to comply with PELs may be assessed heavy fines and are subject to other penalties.

If you or a relative has ever been exposed to high levels of asbestos, you could be at risk to develop asbestos cancer including malignant mesothelioma.