The safe limit for ozone, based on recommended exposure limits, is often cited at 0.1 ppm.
Understanding Recommended Exposure Limits
Regulatory bodies and health organizations establish exposure limits to protect individuals from the potential health effects of ozone. These limits are guidelines for maintaining air quality in various environments.
According to the reference, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provides a specific guideline:
- NIOSH Ten-Hour Recommended Exposure Limit Ceiling (REL-C): 0.1 ppm (equivalent to 0.2 mg/m³)
This ceiling limit means that airborne exposure should not exceed this value at any time during a ten-hour workday.
Indoor Ozone Levels
For occupied workspaces, the recommendation based on the reference is clear:
- Indoor ozone levels should definitely be kept below 0.1 ppm.
This serves as a practical reference point for ensuring safe indoor air quality in areas where people spend significant amounts of time.
Key Ozone Limit Values
Limit Type | Organization | Concentration | Duration | Application |
---|---|---|---|---|
Recommended Exposure Limit Ceiling (REL-C) | NIOSH | 0.1 ppm | 10 hours | Occupational Exposure |
General Indoor Guideline | Based on REL | Below 0.1 ppm | - | Occupied Workspaces/Indoor Areas |
Note: ppm stands for parts per million, and mg/m³ stands for milligrams per cubic meter. These are common units for measuring air pollutant concentrations.
Adhering to limits like the NIOSH REL-C of 0.1 ppm is crucial for preventing adverse health effects associated with ozone exposure, such as respiratory irritation and reduced lung function. Keeping indoor air ozone levels below this threshold provides a margin of safety for occupants.