What Particulate Level Do We Need To Target To Comply With ACGIH’s New Manganese Exposure Limit?

When the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recently lowered its recommended manganese exposure limit, it made waves in the welding world. While ACGIH limits don’t have the power of law, manufacturers pay attention. The ACGIH lowered its limit from 0.2 mg/m3 to 0.02 mg/m3, a tenfold decrease. The new limit is now much lower than OSHA’s current regulation—to be precise, it is now 250 times lower than OSHA’s limit of 5.0 mg/m3.

Fortunately, solutions exist to mitigate weld fumes that contain manganese. Source capture fume collectors can grab fumes before they affect workers and filter the toxic substance out of the air. Implementing solutions like this ensures workers’ health while also making sure you comply with air quality regulations.