Which statement correctly identifies PELs and TLVs?

• A. PEL values are legally enforceable exposure limits set by OSHA; TLVs are recommended exposure limits published by ACGIH
• B. PEL values are recommended exposure limits published by ACGIH; TLVs are legally enforceable by OSHA
• C. PEL values and TLVs are both recommended limits published by ACGIH
• D. PEL values are published by NIOSH; TLVs are published by EPA

Answer: (A)

PEL values are legally enforceable exposure limits set by OSHA, while TLVs are recommended exposure limits published by ACGIH. OSHA uses PELs to determine compliance in workplaces, so employers must ensure worker exposures do not exceed these limits. ACGIH, on the other hand, publishes TLVs as guidance for evaluating and controlling exposures; they’re not legally binding, but they’re widely used to steer safety practices and influence regulations. The other statements mix up who enforces or publishes these limits: TLVs aren’t enforceable by OSHA, PELs aren’t published by ACGIH, and EPA/NIOSH have different roles (NIOSH provides RELs as recommendations, EPA handles environmental limits).