The permissible exposure limit (PEL) for exposure to hazardous substances is set by which organization?

The permissible exposure limit (PEL) for exposure to hazardous substances is established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA is responsible for setting and enforcing standards to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees across various industries. The PEL is a regulatory limit on the threshold for exposure to certain hazardous substances, ensuring that workers are protected from potential health risks associated with those substances.

OSHA regularly conducts research and gathers data regarding workplace hazards to determine safe exposure levels, incorporating scientific studies to support its regulations. This ultimately helps employers maintain a safer work environment. Other organizations mentioned have distinct roles that do not include the setting of PELs: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) primarily focuses on regulating environmental pollutants, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducts research and makes recommendations but does not enforce standards, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is involved in public health but does not set workplace safety standards.