| Abstrakt: |
South African occupational exposure limits for hazardous chemical agents were revised in 2021 and introduced some limit values that were lowered by up to 99.2% when compared with the previously applicable limit values.A descriptive study was conducted as desk research to identify exposure limits from a list typically applicable to carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens, or sensitizers, called maximum limits, that were lowered substantially. The percentage reduction in maximum limits were calculated to identify those that were reduced by more than 50%, constituting more stringent limits. These limit values were compared with limit values applied by other countries or organizations by accessing the GESTIS-ILV database which provide an overview of limit values included in 35 lists from 29 countries. The database was updated in 2022 and include two lists from South Africa. The comparison was conducted to obtain an understanding of international alignment of South African maximum limits after amendment. The range of limit values and the value reported most frequently for each chemical were reported.A total of 21 maximum limit values were identified that were lowered by more than 50%, with six limit values lowered by 90% or more. The mode applicable to nine of the chemicals were still more stringent than the lowered South African limit values, and three were equal to the lowered limits.The revision improved alignment of South African occupational exposure limit values with those applied in other countries, which, provided efficient implementation, translates into better protection of the workforce from occupational diseases. |
