Comparison of occupational exposure limits of hexavalent chromium compounds in China and foreign workplaces / 中国职业医学

ABSTRACT

@#Objective To compare and analyze the occupational exposure limit（OEL）of hexavalent chromium compounds in China and foreign countries. Methods The OEL and background information of hexavalent chromium compounds released by nine official and unofficial organizations in seven countries/regions were collected and sorted. The classification，limit levels， formulation principles and compound characteristics labeling of OEL were compared. Results The OEL values published by nine organizations ranged from 0.000 02 to 0.050 00 mg/m3 . Among them，the limits of seven organizations（including China） did not clearly distinguish the soluble types of hexavalent chromium compounds；the limits of eight organizations（including China）were calculated in terms of chromium；seven organizations（including China）have only developed OEL for long-term exposure. The OEL of hexavalent chromium in China was 0.050 00 mg/m3 which is relatively loose. Its carcinogenicity label was consistent with international standards，its sensitization label was consistent with some countries，and its percutaneous absorption label had not been included in the characteristic labeling of limit values. Conclusion It is suggested that the OEL of hexavalent chromium in China should be revised timely，and the systemic adverse effects caused by percutaneous absorption of hexavalent chromium compounds should be focused on. At the same time，it is recommended to systematically adjust the management concepts and principles of all carcinogens.