Occupational Exposure Limits for Reproductive Toxicants - A Comparative Analysis

Linda Schenk (Corresponding Author), Meng-Rung Ho, Piia Taxell, Pasi Huuskonen, Mimmi Leite, Inese Martinsone, Karl-Christian Nordby, Linda Paegle, Loreta Strumylaite

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We investigated the level of protection of reproductive and developmental toxicity offered through occupational exposure limits (OELs) and Derived No-Effect Levels for workers' inhalation exposure (wDNELs). We compared coverage of substances that have a harmonised classification as reproductive toxicant 1A or 1B (Repr.1A/B), numerical values and scientific basis of 12 lists of OELs and wDNELs from REACH Registrants' and the Committee for Risk Assessment. Across the 14 sources of OELs and wDNELs, 53% of the Repr1A/B-substances had at least one exposure limit (counting groups of metals as one entry). Registrants' wDNELs covered the largest share, 40%. The numerical values could be highly variable for the same substance across the lists. How often reproductive toxicity is identified as the critical effect varies between the examined lists, both due to different assessments of the same substance and different substance coverage. Reviewing the margin of safety to reproductive toxicity cited in the documents, we found that 15% of safety margins were lower to reproductive toxicity than the critical effect. To conclude, neither the REACH nor work environment legislation supply wDNELs or OELs for a substantial share of known reproductive toxicants. EU OELs cover among the fewest substances in the range, and in many cases national OELs or wDNELs are set at more conservative levels.

Original languageEnglish
Article number108649
Number of pages4
JournalReproductive Toxicology
Volume128
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2024

Field of Science*

  • 3.3 Health sciences

Publication Type*

  • 1.1. Scientific article indexed in Web of Science and/or Scopus database

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