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.