Carbon monoxide; Health-based recommended occupational exposure limit
Workers are exposed to carbon monoxide when it is released into the work environment during incomplete combustion of fossil fuels or wood. Exposure can lead to several adverse health effects, such as cardiovascular disease and effects on foetal development. The Dutch Expert Committee on Occupational Safety (DECOS) of the Health Council has calculated a health-based occupational exposure limit for carbon monoxide. This is an exposure level at which no negative adverse health effects are to be expected.
The current legally binding occupational exposure limit for carbon monoxide is 23 mg carbon monoxide per cubic meter of air (20 ppm – parts per million). Based on new scientific data, the committee concludes that adverse health effects can already occur at lower concentrations. The new health-based occupational exposure limit is 7.5 mg/m3 (6.4 ppm). The state secretary for Participation and Integration, of the ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, can use this recommendation to set a legally binding occupational exposure limit for carbon monoxide.