How should AEGLs be used? • top
AEGLs should be used to help protect the public when there has been a chemical release that is short-term in duration. AEGLs estimate how the general public would react to a release of this nature, so they can be used to identify areas where a hazard exists if the concentration of hazardous gas is exceeded for the specified exposure duration. For example, in areas with concentrations just above the AEGL-1, most people would experience temporary, non-disabling effects. On the other hand, in areas with concentrations just above the AEGL-2, most people would experience significant—but not life-threatening—health effects.
Note: Each defined chemical has AEGL values for five exposure durations, and you should use the duration that is appropriate for your release.
AEGLs shouldn't be used as:
Guidelines for workers who are routinely exposed to chemicals for longer durations. In such cases, you should use workplace exposure limits, because they contain safety factors specific to that type of exposure.
Guidelines for members of the public who are exposed to background chemical releases for longer durations. In these types of air quality issues, values such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) should be used rather than emergency response guidelines.