The threshold limit value of a chemical substance does not take which factor into account?

The threshold limit value (TLV) is a guideline used to indicate the level of a chemical substance in the workplace that is considered safe for the majority of workers over a specific time frame, usually based on an 8-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek. TLVs are established to protect workers from potential health risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances.

When determining TLVs, several factors are taken into account, including the concentration of the chemical, the duration of exposure, and the individual susceptibility of workers. However, TLVs do not comprehensively consider the cumulative effects of multiple exposures to the same or different chemicals over time. Instead, they focus on the exposure limits for single substances under specified conditions.

Since cumulative effects can significantly alter a worker's overall health risk, relying solely on TLVs without considering these cumulative exposures may not adequately protect all workers. Thus, highlighting the cumulative effect of exposure specifically as a factor not accounted for in TLV assessments sheds light on the limitations of these guidelines in ensuring worker safety in environments where multiple exposures may occur.