Article published in "Gefahrstoffe"

Fritz Kalberlah and Karin Heine published an article in the loose leaf collection "Gefahrstoffe" (Welzbacher, Ulrich, Ed., 138. Update, October 2015; article only in German; ISBN: 978-3-8111-7730-7). Differences between German and international Occupational Exposure Levels (AGWs/OELs) as well as Derived No Effect Levels (DNELs) from European chemicals legislation (REACH) are discussed. Inter alia, the authors concluded that approximately 10 % of the DNELs may not be sufficient to insure occupational safety. However, despite this insecurity DNELs may be used as a rule in the absence of German AGWs or OELs. Differences between the assessment methods are described. It was found that some key studies used for the assessment of OELs are outdated in the meanwhile and that the use of a transparent assessment method is an important starting point for harmonization.

In case of any questions, please contact our colleagues Karin Heine and Fritz Kalberlah!