DOE-HDBK-1046-2016, Temporary Emergency Exposure Limits for Chemicals: Methods and Practice
Functional areas: Exposure Limits, Chemicals, Hazards, Uncontrolled Release
This document describes why TEELs are needed, their role in emergency planning in DOE, the history of their development, and the methods by which they are developed. TEEL values are developed by a team of chemists/toxicologists established by DOE Headquarters.
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Section 1
NOT MEASUREMENT
SENSITIVE
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
December 2016
DOE HANDBOOK
TEMPORARY EMERGENCY EXPOSURE LIMITS
FOR CHEMICALS: METHODS AND PRACTICE
U.S. Department of Energy AREA EMER
Washington, D.C. 20585
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
ii
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
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Available on the Department of Energy
Technical Standards Program
Web site at
http://energy.gov/ehss/services/nuclear-safety/department-energy-technical-standards-program/doe-approved-
technical
http://energy.gov/ehss/services/nuclear-safety/department-energy-technical-standards-program/doe-approved-technical
http://energy.gov/ehss/services/nuclear-safety/department-energy-technical-standards-program/doe-approved-technical
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FOREWORD
In 2005, the Office of Emergency Management (NA-41) within the National Nuclear Security
Administration (NNSA), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), issued DOE O 151.1C, Comprehensive
Emergency Management System. This order, and its Guides issued in 2007, reference Acute
Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs) and Emergency Response Planning Guidelines (ERPGs) as the
emergency exposure limits of choice. They also provide for the use of Temporary Emergency
Exposure Limits (TEELs) for chemicals for which no AEGLs or ERPGs are available. DOE O 151.1D,
issued in August 2016, continues the use of AEGLs, ERPGs, and TEELs.
This document describes why TEELs are needed, their role in emergency planning in DOE, the
history of their development, and the methods by which they are developed. TEEL values are
developed by a team of chemists/toxicologists established by DOE Headquarters. This is the
second publication of the DOE Handbook describing TEELs. In 2009, NA-41 commissioned an
independent review of the TEEL development methodology by a group of subject matter
experts in toxicology and industrial hygiene. As a result of their recommendations, many parts
of the TEEL development methodology have been updated and revised. This second publication
reflects the changes incorporated into the TEEL development methodology based on the
recommendations of the independent review group.
Constructive comments, recommendations, additions, deletions, and any pertinent data that
may improve this document are welcome. Please send these to:
David Freshwater
DOE Office of Emergency Management
U.S. Department of Energy
Washington, DC 20585
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD ..................................................................................................................................... iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS........................................................................................................................ v
LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................................... vii
ACRONYMS ................................................................................................................................... viii
1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 1
Section 2
2 FRAMEWORK FOR DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF TEEL VALUES ................................. 3
2.1 Planning for Chemical Emergencies................................................................................. 3
2.2 Exposure Assessment and Risk Assessment .................................................................... 4
2.3 Need for TEEL Values ....................................................................................................... 4
2.4 Protective Action Criteria and Risk Management ........................................................... 5
2.5 Populations at Risk ........................................................................................................... 5
2.6 Nature and Severity of Toxic Effects ................................................................................ 5
2.7 Comparison of AEGL, ERPG, and TEEL Values .................................................................. 6
3 TEEL DEVELOPMENT METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................... 8
3.1 General Considerations.................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Exposure Limit-Based TEEL Values................................................................................... 9
3.2.1 Sources of Data ....................................................................................................... 10
3.2.2 Compound Adjustment Factors .............................................................................. 11
3.3 Toxicity-Based TEEL Values ............................................................................................ 11
3.3.1 Sources and Types of Data ...................................................................................... 12
3.3.2 Toxicity Data Selection ............................................................................................ 12
3.3.3 Calculating Concentration Equivalent Values using Route Adjustment Factors .... 13
3.3.4 Adjustment Factors used to Convert Concentration-Based and Concentration-
Equivalent Values to TEEL Values ......................................................................................... 15
3.3.5 Time Scaling ............................................................................................................ 16
3.4 Developing TEEL Values when Exposure Limits and Toxicity Data are Missing ............ 16
3.4.1 TEEL Values Derived from PAC Values at Other Levels .......................................... 16
3.4.2 TEEL Values Derived for Isomers and Compounds in Multiple Forms ................... 17
3.4.2.1 Chemicals with Multiple Isomers .................................................................... 17
3.4.2.2 Metal Compounds and Salts ............................................................................ 18
3.4.3 TEEL Values Developed for Petroleum Products .................................................... 18
3.4.4 Points of Departure for Developing TEEL Values .................................................... 19
3.4.5 TEEL Values Derived from Health Hazard Ratings .................................................. 19
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3.4.6 TEEL Values Derived from Structure-Activity Relationships ................................... 20
3.4.7 Adjustments to Final TEEL Values ........................................................................... 20
Section 3
3.4.7.1 Ratios of Toxicity-Based to Exposure Limit-Based TEEL-2 Values ................... 20
3.4.7.2 Significant Figures and Rounding Guidelines for Final TEEL Values ................ 20
3.5 Special Considerations ................................................................................................... 21
3.5.1 Particulates Not Otherwise Specified ..................................................................... 21
3.5.2 Simple Asphyxiants ................................................................................................. 21
3.5.3 Radioactive Compounds ......................................................................................... 22
3.6 TEEL Values for Biological Toxins ................................................................................... 22
3.6.1 Biological Toxins ...................................................................................................... 22
3.6.2 Exposure Limits used for TEEL Development for Biotoxins .................................... 23
3.6.3 Toxicity-Based Data for Developing TEEL Values for Biotoxins .............................. 23
4 TEEL VALUE DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION ..................................................................... 25
4.1 Request for TEEL Value .................................................................................................. 25
4.2 Review Panel Assignment .............................................................................................. 25
4.3 Specific Instructions for the Review Panel .................................................................... 25
4.4 The TEEL Advisory Group ............................................................................................... 26
5 REVIEW PROCESS AND PUBLICATIONS ................................................................................... 27
5.1 Quality Assurance and Quality Control .......................................................................... 27
5.2 Documentation .............................................................................................................. 27
5.3 Publication of Protective Action Criteria ....................................................................... 27
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................. 28
GLOSSARY ...................................................................................................................................... 31
Appendix A ................................................................................................................................... A-1
Appendix B ................................................................................................................................... B-1
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1 Comparison of AEGL, ERPG, and TEEL Values ................................................................. 7
Table 3.1 TEEL Data Selection Hierarchy ........................................................................................ 8
Table 3.2 Default Mean Body Weight and Breathing Rate Values for Different Species ............. 14
Table 3.3 Route Adjustment Factors used for Different Routes of Administration ..................... 14
Table 3.4 Adjustment Factors to Derive Toxicity-Based TEEL Values ........................................... 15
Section 4
Table 3.5 Multiplying Factors used to Fill Gaps in TEEL Value Sets .............................................. 17
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ACRONYMS
ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
AEGL Acute Exposure Guideline Level
AIHA American Industrial Hygiene Association
C Ceiling Limit
CAF Compound Adjustment Factor
CAS Chemical Abstracts Service
CASRN Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CSE Confined Space Entry
DHS U.S. Department of Homeland Security
DOE U.S. Department of Energy
DOT U.S. Department of Transportation
EEGL Emergency Exposure Guidance Level
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPHA Emergency Planning Hazards Assessment
ERPG Emergency Response Planning Guideline
FEMA U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency
GGV Group Guidance Value
HHR Health Hazard Rating
HSDB Hazardous Substances Data Bank
IDLH Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health
LC50 Lethal Concentration that kills 50% of the test population
LCeq Lethal Concentration Equivalent
LCLo Lowest reported Lethal Concentration
LD50 Lethal Dose that kills 50% of the test species
LDLo Lowest reported Lethal Dose
LEL Lower Explosive Limit
LOC Level of Concern
MAK Maximale Arbeitsplatz-Konzentration (maximum workplace concentration)
from the German Research Foundation
NAC National Advisory Committee
NARAC National Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability
NAS National Academy of Sciences
NA-41 Office of Emergency Management
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
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NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
NNSA National Nuclear Security Administration
NRC National Research Council
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
PAC Protective Action Criterion
PEL Permissible Exposure Limit
PNOS Particulates Not Otherwise Specified
ppm parts per million
RAF Route Adjustment Factor
REL Recommended Exposure Limit
RTECS Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances
SAR Structure Activity Relationship
Sax Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials
SCAPA Subcommittee on Consequence Assessment and Protective Actions
STEL Short-Term Exposure Limit
TAG TEEL Advisory Group
TCLo Toxic Concentration Lowest
TDLo Toxic Dose Lowest
TEEL Temporary Emergency Exposure Limit
TERA Toxicology Excellence for Risk Assessment
TLV Threshold Limit Value
TWA Time-Weighted Average
WEEL Workplace Environmental Exposure Level
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1 INTRODUCTION
Emergency exposure limits are essential components of planning for the uncontrolled release
of hazardous chemicals. These limits, combined with estimates of exposure, provide the
information necessary to identify and evaluate accidents for the purpose of taking appropriate
protective actions. During an emergency response to an uncontrolled release, these limits may
be used to evaluate the severity of the event, to identify potential outcomes, and to decide
what protective actions should be taken. In anticipation of an uncontrolled release, these limits
may also be used to estimate consequences and plan a response.
In 2005, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued its latest Emergency Management Order
DOE O 151.1C (Order), which addresses managing chemical emergencies along with other
Operational Emergencies. DOE uses Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs), Emergency
Response Planning Guidelines (ERPGs), and Temporary Emergency Exposure Limits (TEELs), in
that priority, as the emergency exposure limits. DOE O 151.1D, issued in August 2016,
continues the use of AEGLs, ERPGs, and TEELs.
Section 5
DOE recognized that AEGL and ERPG values exist for a limited number of individual chemicals.
DOE commissioned the development of TEEL values in 1992, so that DOE facilities can conduct
Emergency Planning Hazard Assessments (EPHAs) and consequence assessments prior to and
during emergency response for chemicals lacking AEGL or ERPG values. As the “T” in TEEL
indicates, TEEL values are temporary limits for chemicals until AEGL values or ERPG values are
developed, at which time the TEEL values should no longer be used.
Protective Action Criteria (PACs) are levels of radioactive or chemical materials that threaten or
endanger the health and safety of workers or the public. As used in this document, PACs are a
collective term for chemical limits that include AEGL, ERPG, and TEEL values. The PAC dataset is
the list of chemicals with 60-minute AEGL, ERPG, and/or TEEL values.1
The objective of this document is to present the following information associated with TEEL
values:
• The need for emergency exposure limits in general and for TEEL values in particular is
described in Section 2.3.
• The methods used by a team of chemists/toxicologists established by DOE Headquarters
to derive TEEL values for hazardous chemicals are listed in Section 3.
1AEGL and ERPG values are developed in units of either ppm or mg/m3. In the PAC dataset, the AEGL and
ERPG values are listed in both units for the convenience of the users. When converted to the other
units, they are rounded to two significant digits (see DOE, 1992).
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• Details regarding TEEL development administration are provided in Section 4.
• Quality assurance and control measures to ensure TEEL values are appropriately derived
are described in Section 5.
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2 FRAMEWORK FOR DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF TEEL VALUES
2.1 Planning for Chemical Emergencies
Chemical emergencies can occur as a result of either an accidental or intentional release. Fires,
explosions, equipment malfunctions or failures, vehicle crashes, and similar incidents are
possible accidental events. Persons immediately affected by these incidents could include those
at the scene (e.g., at a workplace or involved in a vehicular crash), first responders (e.g., fire
departments, law enforcement, emergency medical services, incident command) and other
emergency personnel, and nearby workers, as well as members of the general public downwind
of the incident. Intentional releases such as terrorist attacks or chemical warfare create similar
problems but have some important differences. Chemicals in an intentional release are usually
designed and selected with the intent of inflicting injury and can be released in a way designed
to increase the extent and severity of injury (e.g., inflicted on a large population, in a confined
space). For either an accidental or intentional release scenario, however, it is important to
prepare for such emergencies to allow for the selection of protective actions that are the most
effective for minimizing injury and illness.
Response planning actions include evaluating exposure, acquiring equipment, training first
responders, developing methods to determine the potential area affected by the release of
hazardous material, identifying populations at risk, and planning and selecting appropriate
protective actions. This document is concerned with evaluating exposure; other aspects are
beyond the scope of this document.
Section 6
To aid in evaluating risks associated with chemical exposures, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), with the assistance of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS),
develops AEGL values as exposure limits designed to aid planning for chemical emergencies
(NAS, 2001). The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) develops ERPG values for
similar purposes (AIHA, 2014). Although the specific processes for developing AEGL and ERPG
values differ significantly, both processes result in values with a cogent scientific foundation.
Planning for emergencies at DOE facilities includes selecting or developing these criteria for
protective action decision-making. DOE, including the National Nuclear Security Administration
(NNSA), use AEGL, ERPG, and TEEL values in this order of preference, as PAC values. PAC values
are the concentrations of airborne hazardous materials at which protective actions are needed.
Emergency procedures for classifying Operational Emergencies and for implementing or
recommending protective actions may also incorporate these criteria.
The planning process identifies hazards and the potential consequences from unplanned
releases of (or loss of control over) hazardous chemicals using accepted assessment techniques
based on PAC values assigned to the hazardous chemicals identified. The planning process may
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identify the consequences of projected accidents so that additional inventory or process
controls may be implemented to reduce the risk. Field measurements based on these exposure
guidelines may be used to refine the area affected by a hazardous material release and to
adjust protective actions as appropriate.
There are other organizations, inside and outside DOE, that use PACs for other purposes. For
example, PAC values are used by DOE in the development of Documented Safety Analyses.
However, the TEEL development program was created for DOE emergency management
purposes. The Office of Emergency Management is not responsible for the use of TEELs for
other purposes.
2.2 Exposure Assessment and Risk Assessment
An essential aspect of protective action is the evaluation of real or potential exposures to
chemicals. To do this, it is important to acquire, to the extent feasible, the following
information:
• the identities of the chemicals;
• the amount released;
• their concentration in air;
• the potential duration of exposure (e.g., continuous or puff);
• characteristics of the population exposed; and
• the determinants of exposure (i.e., any circumstances that could alter exposure, such as
the weather – wind speed, temperature – or the physical environment).
This information constitutes the raw material for assessing and managing the consequences in
a specific incident. Translating this information into an estimate of injury also requires
knowledge of the safe levels of exposure. Emergency exposure limits, such as AEGL, ERPG, and
TEEL values, are the key additional ingredients for assessing the consequences of injury.
2.3 Need for TEEL Values
As of December 2013, there were only 261 chemicals with final or interim AEGL values (EPA,
2014) and only 148 chemicals with ERPG values (AIHA, 2014). Yet thousands of chemicals are
used every day at DOE facilities and throughout the United States. The risk of accidental release
of chemicals without AEGL or ERPG values remains, as does the need for DOE to set emergency
exposure limits. TEEL values serve this need. The first list of chemicals with TEEL values was
Section 7
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released in 1991 and included values for fewer than 100 chemicals.2 As of 2013, the PAC
dataset includes values for over 3,000 chemicals. 3
2.4 Protective Action Criteria and Risk Management
Risk management occurs in anticipation of and during chemical emergencies. PAC values
provide the basis for consequence assessment for chemical emergencies and are used by DOE
in emergency preparedness procedures and for Operational Emergencies.
Risk management can consist of actions taken during emergency planning, in anticipation of an
accidental release, or actions taken during or after a release to mitigate the release or to
reduce the magnitude of injury. Preventive measures may include reducing the quantity of
chemicals in storage, removing chemicals (or reducing their quantities) stored in proximity to
sensitive populations, providing for emergency response services, and using less toxic
chemicals. Actions during a release can include containing the release; protecting persons at
risk; providing first aid, triage, and other medical treatment; and initiating follow-up actions to
mitigate injury and illness. In all such procedures, PAC values are essential to risk management
and to planning.
2.5 Populations at Risk
Virtually any member of any population can be exposed to toxic chemicals as a result of an
accidental release, including persons who are members of susceptible subpopulations, such as
infants, children, the elderly, and persons with asthma or other illnesses. PAC values should
protect most members of the general population. However, some members of the exposed
population may be affected when exposed to levels equal to the PAC values.
2.6 Nature and Severity of Toxic Effects
The nature and severity of toxic effects from a specific chemical depend on its concentration,
the duration of exposure, and the route of exposure. All emergency exposure limits to which
this document refers assume exposure by inhalation because it is anticipated that inhalation
will be the primary route of exposure in an emergency situation. However, some airborne
chemicals can have additional, secondary effects through absorption through the skin, eyes,
and mucus membranes. Organizations developing inhalation exposure limits specifically select
toxicity studies that limit exposures through these secondary routes or account for additional
exposure through application uncertainty factors.
2 This number is based on Revision 1.
3 This number is based on Revision 27.
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The nature and severity of health effects are relevant to the planning process. Chemical
exposures with acute effects require prompt action for primary prevention measures. If the
effects are expected to be localized, short-lived, and self-limiting, then preventive actions can
be appropriately limited. Chemicals and exposures that might have chronic effects may require
more sustained monitoring, follow-up, and counseling of exposed persons. For ERPG values, the
duration of exposure is assumed to be up to 60 minutes (AIHA, 2014). AEGL values are
developed for five exposure times, including 60 minutes (NAS, 2001). Within DOE, the 60-
minute AEGL value is used (DOE, 2007). TEEL values are developed by comparison with 60-
minute AEGLs (DOE, 2012).
2.7 Comparison of AEGL, ERPG, and TEEL Values
There are three PAC levels for each chemical in the PAC dataset. Each level represents an
increase in the severity of biological effects. Definitions for the three PAC levels are found in
Table 2.1.
Section 8
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Table 2.1 Comparison of AEGL, ERPG, and TEEL Values
AEGL ERPG TEEL
AEGL-1 is the airborne
concentration of a substance
above which it is predicted that
the general population, including
susceptible individuals, could
experience notable discomfort,
irritation, or certain
asymptomatic non-sensory
effects. However, the effects are
not disabling and are transient
and reversible on cessation of
exposure.
ERPG-1 is the maximum airborne
concentration below which it is
believed that nearly all
individuals could be exposed for
up to 60 minutes without
experiencing other than mild
transient adverse health effects
or perceiving a clearly defined,
objectionable odor.
TEEL-1 is the airborne
concentration (expressed as ppm
[parts per million] or mg/m3
[milligrams per cubic meter]) of a
substance above which it is
predicted that the general
population, including susceptible
individuals, when exposed for
more than one hour, could
experience notable discomfort,
irritation, or certain
asymptomatic, non-sensory
effects. However, these effects
are not disabling and are
transient and reversible upon
cessation of exposure.
AEGL-2 is the airborne
concentration of a substance
above which it is predicted that
the general population, including
susceptible individuals, could
experience irreversible or other
serious, long-lasting adverse
health effects or an impaired
ability to escape.
ERPG-2 is the maximum airborne
concentration below which it is
believed that nearly all
individuals could be exposed for
up to 60 minutes without
experiencing or developing
irreversible or other serious
health effects or symptoms
which could impair an
individual’s ability to take
protective action.
TEEL-2 is the airborne
concentration (expressed as ppm
or mg/m3) of a substance above
which it is predicted that the
general population, including
susceptible individuals, when
exposed for more than one hour,
could experience irreversible or
other serious, long-lasting,
adverse health effects or an
impaired ability to escape.
AEGL-3 is the airborne
concentration of a substance
above which it is predicted that
the general population, including
susceptible individuals, could
experience life-threatening health
effects or death.
ERPG-3 is the maximum airborne
concentration below which it is
believed that nearly all
individuals could be exposed for
up to 60 minutes without
experiencing or developing life-
threatening health effects.
TEEL-3 is the airborne
concentration (expressed as ppm
or mg/m3) of a substance above
which it is predicted that the
general population, including
susceptible individuals, when
exposed for more than one hour,
could experience life-threatening
adverse health effects or death.
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3 TEEL DEVELOPMENT METHODOLOGY
3.1 General Considerations
TEEL values are developed by a team of chemists/toxicologists established by DOE
Headquarters for chemicals that do not have AEGL or ERPG values. TEEL values are also
developed for chemicals that have missing AEGL or ERPG values. For example, jet fuels
(Chemical Abstract Service Registry Number (CASRN) 70892-10-3) has AEGL-1 and AEGL-2
values but no AEGL-3 value; thus the PAC-3 for jet fuels is a TEEL-3. Chemicals are selected for
deriving TEEL values if an Operational Emergency, as defined in DOE O 151.1C, could result
from an uncontrolled release of the material or if they are otherwise deemed to pose a serious
health threat to workers or the public in an emergency.
Section 9
TEEL values differ from AEGL and ERPG values by the methods and the sources of data used to
develop them. The processes used to develop AEGL and ERPG values are both painstaking and
time-consuming. To produce exposure limits in a more timely fashion while maintaining high
quality, TEEL values are developed using a methodology that incorporates existing published
exposure limits and toxicity data.
A hierarchy of sources is used for developing TEEL values. This hierarchy is presented in
Table 3.1. Existing published exposure limits are the preferred source of information. However,
there are many chemicals for which there are no published exposure limits. For these
chemicals, toxicity data from lethal dose/lethal concentration (Lethal Concentration, 50% (LC50),
Lethal Dose, 50% (LD50), Lethal Concentration, Lowest (LCLo), Lethal Dose, Lowest (LDLo), Toxic
Concentration, Lowest (TCLo), and Toxic Dose, Lowest (TDLo)) experiments are used to develop
TEEL values.
Unfortunately, there still remain a large number of chemicals for which there are no exposure
limits and limited or no useful toxicity data. The TEEL development methodology incorporates
calculations and default assumptions to fill gaps resulting from a lack of data. Structure Activity
Relationships (SARs) and Health Hazard Ratings (HHRs) have been used to develop a full set of
TEEL values when no other data are available. (See Section 3.4.4.)
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Table 3.1 TEEL Data Selection Hierarchy
TEEL Data Data Source
TEEL-3
EEGL (30-minute) NRC, 1985; 2007, 2008, 2009
IDLH (1990 values) NIOSH, 1995
Other Various
LC50 HSDB1/SAX2/RTECS3
LCLo HSDB/SAX/RTECS
LD50 HSDB/SAX/RTECS
LDLo HSDB/SAX/RTECS
TEEL-2
EEGL (60-minute) NRC, 1985, 2007, 2008, 2009
LOC EPA, 1987
TLV-C ACGIH, 2014
WEEL-C AIHA, 20144
PEL-C OSHA, 2015a
REL-C CDC, 2007
MAK-C German Research Foundation
Other Various
TCLo HSDB1/SAX2/RTECS3
TDLo HSDB1/SAX2/RTECS3
TEEL-1
TLV-STEL ACGIH, 2014
WEEL-STEL AIHA, 20144
PEL-STEL OSHA, 2015a
REL-STEL CDC, 2007
MAK-STEL German Research Foundation
Other Various
1. Hazardous Substances Data Bank (NLM, 2015)
2. Sax’s Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials (SAX, 2012)
3. Registry of the Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS, 2015)
4. WEEL development moved to TERA January 1, 2012
3.2 Exposure Limit-Based TEEL Values
The use of an Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) value as analogous to a level 3
emergency exposure limit and a Level of Concern (LOC) as analogous to a level 2 emergency
exposure limit is based on “Technical Guidance for Hazardous Analysis,” a joint publication of
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EPA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) (EPA, 1987). Craig, et. al., (1995) performed an analysis comparing the
other available published exposure limits with ERPG values. Based on the results of the analysis,
the exposure limits presented in Table 3.1 were found to be analogous to emergency exposures
limits and were assigned to specific TEEL levels. For example, a ceiling limit is used as a TEEL-2
and a short-term exposure limit is used as a TEEL-1.
IDLH values published in 1990 are used due to a recommendation of the independent review
committee that these values were based on species and routes of exposure that represented a
good correlation to human inhalation exposure. If later IDLH values are used, they are first
considered by the Review Panel (see Section 4.2).
Section 10
3.2.1 Sources of Data
The most frequently used exposure limits in TEEL development are:
• Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), adopted by the American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH);
• Workplace Environmental Exposure Levels (WEELs), adopted by AIHA until 2011;
• Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA);
• Recommended Exposure Limits (RELs) and IDLH values, recommended by the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH);
• Maximale Arbeitsplatz-Konzentration (MAK), from the German Research Foundation;
and
• Level of Concern (LOC) values, developed by the EPA.
These exposure limits are set according to different statutory or other criteria and,
consequently for some chemicals, the various exposure limits differ. The hierarchy for the
exposure limits reflects, in part, DOE management judgment based on the development
procedures used by the agencies/organizations, as well as Federal agency guidance. EEGLs are
given preference within both TEEL-3 and TEEL-2 because the National Research Council (NRC,
now the National Academy of Sciences) has an in-depth peer-review process for EEGL values.
As noted above, the precedence for IDLH and LOC within TEEL-3 and TEEL-2, respectively
reflects published Federal guidance, i.e., EPA, 1987. Within TEEL-2 and TEEL-1, the precedence
of TLVs and WEELs is a result of the independent review committee recommendations. TLVs
and WEELs are updated and reviewed regularly, while OSHA PELs, in some cases, have not been
updated since 1968.
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3.2.2 Compound Adjustment Factors
Many exposure limits are listed as the element and the elemental part of a compound (e.g.,
“manganese and inorganic compounds, as Mn”). Many compounds, such as metal compounds,
do not have compound-specific exposure limits. For these kinds of compounds, a Compound
Adjustment Factor (CAF) for a compound-to-element molecular weight ratio is calculated.
The CAF is used when an exposure limit addresses both the element and its compounds and is
solely concerned with the amount of material in the atmosphere. The exposure limit is based
on the element itself. By using the CAF, we adjust the TEEL value for the compound so that we
account for the same amount of the element in the air.
Using manganese oxide (Mn3O4) as an example, manganese has an atomic weight of 54.94 and
oxygen has an atomic weight of 16.0. Thus, manganese oxide has a molecular weight of 228.82
[(54.94 ⨯ 3) + (16 ⨯ 4)]. The ratio of the molecular weight of manganese oxide to the atomic
weight of manganese (multiplied times 3 because there are 3 atoms of manganese) is 1.39.
Continuing with this example, the PEL-ceiling for manganese is 5 mg/m3. The PEL-ceiling is
multiplied by 1.39 (the CAF), resulting in a TEEL-2 of 6.95 mg/m3.
Similar ratio adjustments are calculated for other compounds by taking the ratio of the
molecular weight of the compound to the atomic weight of the most toxic element.
Solubility and insolubility are taken into account by the organization that derives the exposure
limit. For some elements, two exposure limits are reported: one for soluble forms or
compounds and the other for insoluble. In these cases, the TEEL value is derived by choosing
the appropriate (soluble or insoluble) exposure limit for the specific compound of interest and
then applying the CAF.
When appropriate, the compound adjustment factors are applied to all exposure limits except
AEGL, ERPG, and LOC values.
Section 11
3.3 Toxicity-Based TEEL Values
Published toxicity data are used to derive TEEL-2 and TEEL-3 values only. In order of preference,
existing TCLo and TDLo data are used to estimate TEEL-2 values and LC50, LCLo, LD50, and LDLo data
are used to estimate TEEL-3 values. The LC50 and LCLo are given priority because they are based
on inhalation data – which is highest in the route of exposure hierarchy. The LC50 is preferred
over the LCLo, and the LD50 is preferred over the LDLo because there are multiple data points
used to derive the 50% value. The “Lo” data are usually a single data point. Thus there is more
reliability in the LC50 and LD50 values. Table 3.1 shows the order of preference that exists to
derive TEEL-2 and TEEL-3 values from toxicity data.
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3.3.1 Sources and Types of Data
Toxicity data can be obtained from many sources. The three principal sources used for
developing TEEL values are the Hazardous Substances Data Bank (NLM, 2105), Sax’s Dangerous
Properties of Industrial Materials (SAX, 2012), and the Registry of the Toxic Effects of Chemical
Substances (RTECS, 2015). In selecting data from these sources, the following guidelines are
followed:
• Only credible studies are used;
• If the studies are within 5 years of each other, the study with the lowest exposure
concentration or dose is selected, yielding the more conservative TEEL value;
• If there is more than one set of data for a particular toxic parameter from studies
conducted more than 5 years apart:
o The study of greater reliability is selected first (e.g., using a Klimisch4 score or
Good Laboratory Practice status);
o If that cannot be determined, the most recent study is selected;
o If the most recent study cannot be determined, the study with the lowest
exposure concentration or dose is selected, yielding the more conservative TEEL
value; and
• If there are questions about which study should be selected as the starting point for
TEEL derivation, the review panel, as described in Section 4.2, evaluates the data and
makes a recommendation to DOE Office of Emergency Management.
3.3.2 Toxicity Data Selection
Similar to TEEL values based on published exposure limits, there is a priority order of data used
to derive TEEL values from published toxicity data. Parameters are selected for deriving TEEL
values by species, route of administration, toxicity endpoint, and exposure time.
Data from human exposures are given primary consideration over data from other species.
However, caution should be employed when using human data, as human data may be from an
accidental exposure or a therapeutic dose. Data from monkey exposures are preferred over
other non-human species, followed by dog, rat, mouse, rabbit, guinea pig, cat, and pig. Toxicity
data are limited to only these nine species in TEEL development.
During an Operational Emergency, the primary concern is exposures to airborne concentrations
of the chemicals. Therefore, data from inhalation exposures are preferred to data from other
routes of administration. Following inhalation, the order of preference is oral, dermal,
4Klimisch, et al. (1997). A systematic approach for evaluating the quality of experimental toxicological
and ecotoxicological data. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 25,1-5.
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intraperitoneal, and intravenous routes administration. Toxicity data are limited to these five
routes of administration in TEEL development.
Section 12
Toxicity data, specifically TCLo and TDLo data, should report acutely toxic endpoints such as
ataxia, narcosis, skin burns, or ulcers. Toxic endpoints, such as changes in enzyme levels or
olfaction, are not acutely toxic endpoints and are not applicable to TEEL development. In
addition, tumorigenic and reproductive effects data are not appropriate for TEEL development
as they result from chronic (long-term) and/or repeated exposures.
Data are selected from experiments with exposure times closest to 60 minutes. If the only data
available are from repeated exposure studies, then data for the least number of days of
exposure are selected. If the number of hours is also provided, then data that has the least total
hours of exposure are selected. When exposure times have not been specified in the data
sources and there are no other toxicity data available, the following default times are used:
• 15 minutes for humans;
• 240 minutes for rat and 120 minutes for mouse acute exposures;
• 360 minutes for repeated or intermittent exposures; and
• 1,440 minutes for continuous exposures.
3.3.3 Calculating Concentration Equivalent Values using Route Adjustment Factors
Deriving TEEL values from other than inhalation routes of exposure requires converting the
lethal or toxic dose into an “equivalent air concentration,” using default body weights and
breathing rates. This is the “concentration equivalent value,” abbreviated as LCeq. Default
values for mean body weight (kilograms - kg) and breathing rate (cubic meters per day -
m3/day) used in TEEL value development are shown in Table 3.2 and are drawn from Sax
(2012).
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Table 3.2 Default Mean Body Weight and Breathing Rate Values for Different Species*
Species Mean Body Weight (bw)
(kg)
Mean Breathing Rate
(br) (m3/day)
Human (Male) 70 20
Human (Female) 50 16
Cat 2 1.25
Dog 10 3.66
Guinea pig 0.5 0.283
Monkey 5 3.94
Mouse 0.025 0.035
Pig 60 20
Rabbit 2 1.3
Rat 0.2 0.153
*SAX, 2012
The amount of a chemical absorbed varies with the route of administration. For example,
intravenous is one of the most efficient routes of administration because a large percentage of
the chemical administered is absorbed. Consequently, it is important to adjust the routes of
administration based on predicted absorption and distribution efficiency. The Route
Adjustment Factors (RAFs) used in TEEL development are shown in Table 3.3. In practice, these
values would vary from chemical to chemical, depending on solubility in body fluids, metabolic
changes, and other factors.
Table 3.3 Route Adjustment Factors used for Different Routes of Administration
Route of Administration RAF
Inhalation 1.0
Intraperitoneal 1.0
Intravenous 1.0
Oral 0.5
Skin 0.05
Skin-insoluble 0.05
Skin-soluble 0.1
The following equations show how the mean body weight (bw), breathing rate (br), and RAF are
used to develop TEEL values from dose-based toxicity data.
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Given:
LD50 = 75 mg/kg, oral route, and the animal is a dog
LCeq = LD50 ⨯ (bw ÷ br) ⨯ RAF
LCeq = 75 mg/kg/day ⨯ (10 kg ÷ 3.66 m3/day) ⨯ 0.5
Result:
LCeq = 102 mg/m3
3.3.4 Adjustment Factors used to Convert Concentration-Based and Concentration-
Equivalent Values to TEEL Values
Section 13
For each toxicity parameter, specific adjustment factors have been calculated to develop TEEL
values from concentration equivalent values. Recall that concentration equivalent values are
calculated from various toxicity data points such as LC50 or LD50. To convert concentration
equivalent values into TEEL values, toxicity parameter-specific adjustment factors have been
developed. These adjustment factors were calculated by analyzing the relationship between
AEGL values and toxicity data. It is assumed that any model based on AEGL values will also be
valid for TEEL values. The results of this analysis are shown in Table 3.4. The white paper
describing the analyses and results used to derive these adjustment factors is presented in
Appendix A.
Table 3.4 Adjustment Factors to Derive Toxicity-Based TEEL Values
TEEL-3 TEEL-2
Adjustment Factors
LC50 LCLo LD50 LDLo TCLo TDLo
36 37 3.3 2.5 13 2.9
Continuing from the example in Section 3.3.3, the following equations show how to use the
adjustments factors for converting a concentration-equivalent value in to a TEEL value.
Given:
TEEL-3 = LCeq (Line 4, Section 3.3.3, above) ÷ LD50 adjustment factor
TEEL-3 = 102 mg/m3 ÷ 3.3
Result:
TEEL-3 = 30.9 mg/m3
After rounding: TEEL-3 = 31 mg/m3
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3.3.5 Time Scaling
When extrapolating concentration-based toxicity data (i.e., LC50, LCLo, and TCLo) from exposures
that are different from 60 minutes, time scaling will be done using the ten Berge equation (ten
Berge et al., 1986):
Cn⨯ t = k
In this equation, “C” is the exposure concentration, “n” represents a chemical–specific or even
a toxic endpoint-specific exponent,” “t” is the exposure time, and “k” is a constant. For TEEL
value development, the NAS/AEGL default value of n=1 is used to extrapolate from shorter
exposure times up to 60 minutes, and a value of n=3 is used to extrapolate from longer
exposure times down to 60 minutes. For a detailed description of these default values, see the
AEGL Standing Operating Procedures (NAS, 2001).
Given a 15-minute LC50 of 12 ppm:
C1 × t = k
(12 ppm)1 × 15 min = 180 ppm·minmi
Then for a 1-hour TEEL-3
C1 × 60 min = 180 ppm·min
C = 3 ppm
Result – TEEL-3 = 3 ppm.
3.4 Developing TEEL Values when Exposure Limits and Toxicity Data are Missing
The methods described below are used to derive TEEL values when there are gaps in or missing
toxicity data. These methods provide the emergency planner with a full range of consequence
values with which to assess the potential impacts of a chemical.
3.4.1 TEEL Values Derived from PAC Values at Other Levels
If there are not sufficient data to derive all three levels of TEEL values (i.e., TEEL-1, -2, or -3),
then the missing TEEL value(s) can be derived from existing values using the multiplying factors
presented in Table 3.5. These multiplying factors were derived from the means of the ratios of
AEGL-3 to AEGL -2 values and AEGL-2 to AEGL-1 values. The white paper describing the analyses
and results that were used to derive these multiplying factors are presented in Appendix B.
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The calculations in Table 3.5 are presented in order of preference:
To calculate a TEEL-2:
• If there is a PAC-3, calculate the TEEL-2 as the PAC-3 ÷ 6.
• If there is not a PAC-3, calculate the TEEL-2 as the PAC-1 ⨯ 11.
To calculate a TEEL-1:
• If there is a PAC-2 based on a published exposure limit such as an AEGL-2, LOC, or TLV-
ceiling, calculate the TEEL-1 as the PAC-2 ÷ 11.
Section 14
• If the TEEL-2 is calculated from TCLo or TDLo data and if there is a published Time-
Weighted Average (TWA), such as a TLV, WEEL, PEL, REL, or MAK, calculate the TEEL-1 as
the TWA ⨯ 3.
• If the TEEL-2 was calculated from the PAC-3 and if there is a published TWA value, such
as a TLV, WEEL, PEL, or REL, calculate the TEEL-1 as the TWA ⨯ 3.
• If there is no published TWA, calculate the TEEL-1 as the PAC-2 ÷ 11.
A TEEL-1 is never less than three times the published chemical-specific TWA (e.g., TLV or PEL).
All calculations are performed prior to rounding the values.
Table 3.5 Multiplying Factors used to Fill Gaps in TEEL Value Sets
TEEL Values Calculations
TEEL-3 PAC-2 or TEEL-2 ⨯ 6
TEEL-2
PAC-3 or TEEL-3 ÷ 6
PAC-1 or TEEL-1 ⨯ 11
TEEL-1
PAC-2 or TEEL-2 ÷ 11
TWA ⨯ 3*
* This calculation is used by ACGIH for excursions above the TWA
when there is no other published STEL. ACGIH, 2014
3.4.2 TEEL Values Derived for Isomers and Compounds in Multiple Forms
3.4.2.1 Chemicals with Multiple Isomers
For any chemical with multiple isomers listed in the PAC dataset, the available data for all of the
isomers will be reviewed at the same time. If the reviews of the data indicate that the toxicities
of all isomers are similar, then the entries may be combined into a single entry in the PAC
dataset. There are chemicals for which data are not available for all of the isomers. PAC values
for one isomer may be used for the isomer lacking any data. Combining chemicals into a single
entry in the PAC dataset will require approval from DOE Office of Emergency Management.
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3.4.2.2 Metal Compounds and Salts
Metal compounds that exist in multiple forms will be reviewed at the same time. An example of
a metal compound with multiple forms that is in the PAC dataset is calcium chloride. Calcium
chloride has entries for an anhydrous form and three distinct hydrated forms. There are some
hydrated forms for which no data exist. In these instances, TEEL values will be based on the PAC
values of another form, such as the anhydrous form, if it has data from which to derive TEEL
values. A molecular weight adjustment that takes into consideration the molecular weight
differences between the two forms will be performed.
3.4.3 TEEL Values Developed for Petroleum Products
Many petroleum products have no specific molecular formulae. They are either listed as a
carbon number range or are described as “of generic composition.” In addition, there are
limited chemical-specific exposure limits and toxicity data are of varying quality. Thus, TEEL
values for many petroleum products are developed using a different methodology than is used
for other chemicals.
Developing TEEL values for the petroleum products utilizes chemical-specific data when
available but allows for the use of surrogate values based on established product types—the
surrogate chemicals. In TEEL development, a surrogate value is the value that is used as a
substitute value when there are no other useable data available. Surrogate values are used as
the points of departure from which the TEEL values for other petroleum products will be
developed.
To aid in assigning the appropriate surrogate value, published chemical definitions of the
surrogate chemicals are used to compare to the definition of the substance in question. For
example, the chemical definition for “diesel fuel” is found online through ChemIDPlus®, an
online database maintained by the National Library of Medicine (NLM, 2015). ChemIDPlus®
defines diesel fuel as a “complex combination of hydrocarbons produced by the distillation of
crude oil. It consists of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly in the range of C9
through C20.”
Section 15
When there is a definition or a chemical description, or if the carbon number, vapor pressure,
boiling point, or viscosity can be determined, more precision is added to assigning the surrogate
values.
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3.4.4 Points of Departure for Developing TEEL Values
1. If there are published chemical-specific exposure limits or toxicity data, the basic TEEL
development methodology is followed.
2. For diesel fuel in any form, the TLV-TWA for diesel fuel is multiplied by 3 to give the
TEEL-1. The TLV-TWA is used until AEGLs or ERPGs are developed for diesel fuel.
3. For gasoline in any form, the ERPG values for gasoline (CASRN 86290-81-5) are used,
until AEGLs are developed.
4. AEGLs for jet fuels (CASRNs 8008-20-6 and 70892-10-3) are used as the TEEL values for
jet fuels and kerosene in any form.
5. For hydrocarbon solvents, the IDLH for Stoddard solvent (CASRN 8052-41-3) is used as
the TEEL-3.
6. For petroleum distillates and naphtha, in any form, the IDLH for naphtha (coal tar)
(CASRN 8030-30-6) or petroleum distillates (CASRN 8002-05-9) is used as the TEEL-3.
7. If there are no data available and the carbon number or a range of carbon numbers of
the petroleum product can be determined or estimated, the ACGIH Group Guidance
Values (GGVs) are used as the point of departure for the TEEL values. ACGIH published
the GGVs to be used with a reciprocal calculation procedure (ACGIH, 2014). When more
than one value is listed for a group, the most conservative value is used. For additional
information, see Table 1 in Appendix H of the ACGIH TLV Booklet (ACGIH, 2014). The
GGV is multiplied by 3 to give the TEEL-1.
PAC values for all petroleum products in the PAC dataset are expressed in mg/m3.
3.4.5 TEEL Values Derived from Health Hazard Ratings
SAX, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), safety data sheets, and other sources
publish Health Hazard Ratings (HHRs) for some chemicals. If there are no suitable toxicity data
in HSDB, SAX, or RTECS, then toxicity can be estimated from a HHR. The following are the
definitions and estimated toxicity values used to develop TEEL values from HHRs.
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Sax defines an HHR=3 as an LD50 less than 400mg/kg. Because any values less than 400mg/kg
would be an arbitrary selection and because the different TEEL levels may not be equal, the
upper end of the HHR ranges in SAX must be used:
HHR = 1 LD50 rat oral = 40,000 mg/kg
HHR = 2 LD50 rat oral = 4,000 mg/kg
HHR = 3 LD50 rat oral = 400 mg/kg
The LD50 data are used to calculate TEEL values in the same way as if the LD50 data were
extracted from HSDB or another data source.
3.4.6 TEEL Values Derived from Structure-Activity Relationships
If there are no exposure limits or suitable toxicity data, or if a particular chemical is not listed in
any database, the toxicity of a chemical can be estimated from structurally similar chemicals for
which there are data.
3.4.7 Adjustments to Final TEEL Values
3.4.7.1 Ratios of Toxicity-Based to Exposure Limit-Based TEEL-2 Values
In calculating TEEL values from exposure limits, it is possible to develop overly conservative
values due to the uncertainty factors used to develop occupational exposure limits for the
chemical. The TEEL development process may apply these factors twice. For a chemical, this can
be evaluated by calculating the ratio of the toxicity-based TEEL-2 to the exposure limit-based
TEEL-2. The resulting ratio is the basis of a correction factor that is used to adjust the exposure
limit-based TEEL-2 value.
Section 16
If the ratio is between 10 and 100, then the exposure limit-based TEEL-2 is multiplied by 10. If
the ratio is greater than 100, then the exposure limit-based TEEL-2 is multiplied by 100. This
adjustment allows the TEEL-2 value to be less restrictive (Craig, et. al., 2000). AEGL, ERPG, and
LOC values are excluded from this adjustment. The TEEL review panel (see Section 4.2) will
examine the applicable data in all instances when the ratio adjustment factor is proposed.
3.4.7.2 Significant Figures and Rounding Guidelines for Final TEEL Values
TEEL values derived from existing published exposure limits are not rounded; they are
maintained the same as they appear in the original source document. All calculated TEEL values
are rounded to two significant figures. Where applicable, the conversion from ppm to mg/m3 is
made before rounding. The resulting TEEL value in mg/m3 is then rounded to two significant
figures.
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The significant figures of a number are the digits that contribute to the precision of that
number. The left-most, non-zero number is the most significant figure; the right-most, non-zero
number is the least significant. The number of significant figures is determined by counting the
numbers from the least significant number to the most significant number. For example, the
number 678 has three significant figures and the number 120 has two significant figures. If
there is a decimal in the number, then the right-most number is the least significant figure,
even if it is zero.
Rounding TEEL values is done according to the conventions found in DOE-HDBK-1014/1-92, DOE
Fundamentals Handbook, Mathematics (DOE, 1992). When rounding to two significant figures,
look at the number immediately to the right of the second significant figure. If the number to
the right is 5 or higher, round up. If the number to the right is less than 5, round down. For
example, the number 423 rounded to two significant figures is 420 and the number 425
rounded to two significant figures is 430.
3.5 Special Considerations
3.5.1 Particulates Not Otherwise Specified
Particulates Not Otherwise Specified (PNOS) have been assigned a TLV-TWA of 10 mg/m3. This
TLV-TWA applies only to solids and non-volatile liquids for which dispersion would be as an
aerosol cloud. [See Appendix B of the ACGIH 2014 TLVs and BEIs booklet (ACGIH, 2014)].
3.5.2 Simple Asphyxiants
Simple asphyxiants are biologically inert gases which can cause injury by displacing oxygen
rather than by any inherent toxicity of their own. Simple asphyxiants include the noble gases as
well as nitrogen and hydrogen. Because the risk of harm is associated with displacement of
oxygen, all simple asphyxiants have the same TEEL values. The TEEL values for simple
asphyxiants are based on the level to which the simple asphyxiants reduce the oxygen
concentration. The normal concentration of oxygen in air is 20.9% by volume. The minimum
oxygen concentration that OSHA permits for Confined Space Entry (CSE) is 19.5%. If the
concentration of a simple asphyxiant reaches approximately 65,000 ppm by volume, it would
displace enough air to reduce the oxygen concentration to the OSHA CSE limit (OSHA, 2015b).
This is the TEEL-1 value. As the concentration of oxygen drops to lower levels (e.g., 12-16%),
thresholds will be reached that lead to impaired attention, thinking, and coordination (NIOSH,
2004). Very low oxygen concentrations (6-10%) result in nausea and lethargic movements and
may result in unconsciousness (NIOSH, 2004; OSHA, 2015b). The TEEL-2 is set at 230,000 ppm.
At this concentration, the simple asphyxiant would cause the oxygen concentration to drop to
16%. The TEEL-3 is set at 400,000 ppm. At this concentration, the simple asphyxiant would
cause the oxygen concentration to drop to 12.5%.
Section 17
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Nitrogen is different from the other simple asphyxiants because nitrogen constitutes 78% of a
normal atmosphere. The TEEL values for nitrogen are given as total nitrogen. This is the sum of
the atmospheric nitrogen plus the amount of additional nitrogen that is needed to reduce the
oxygen concentrations to the same levels as the TEEL values for the other simple asphyxiants.
The TEEL-1 for nitrogen is 796,000 ppm, which equates to an oxygen concentration of 19.5%.
The TEEL-1 for the other simple asphyxiants is 65,000 ppm, which also equates to an
atmospheric oxygen concentration of 19.5%. Similarly, the TEEL-2 for nitrogen is 832,000 ppm
and the TEEL-3 is 869,000. These values equate to oxygen concentrations of 16% and 12.5%,
respectively.
TEEL values for gases or vapors, with original units in ppm, have upper limit maximums. The
restrictions are the same values as those for the simple asphyxiants. The hypothesis is that any
gas that reaches the above-listed concentrations would behave as an asphyxiant by reducing
the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere.
3.5.3 Radioactive Compounds
Ionizing radiation is the hazard of concern for most radioactive isotopes. However, certain low-
specific-activity radionuclides or mixtures are also known to be chemically toxic. For practical
purposes, this concern is limited to uranium of low enrichment in the form of compounds that
are relatively soluble in body fluids (e.g., carbonates, nitrates, fluorides, and sulfates).
Depending on the exact proportions of the different uranium isotopes, the chemical toxicity
becomes the dominant concern as the nominal enrichment (U-235 weight percent) decreases
through the range from about 16% to 5%. In addition, TEEL values have also been derived for
thorium and some of its compounds.
3.6 TEEL Values for Biological Toxins
3.6.1 Biological Toxins
Biological toxins (biotoxins) are proteins or other macromolecules of microbial, plant, or animal
origin. Pound-for-pound, biological toxins are among the most deadly substances known to
exist. TEEL values have been or will be developed for proteins or other macromolecules of
microbial, plant, or animal origin. TEEL values will not be developed for viruses or live bacteria.
The data sources, data hierarchies, species and routes of exposure hierarchies, calculations, and
assumptions currently used to develop TEEL values will be followed initially when developing
TEEL values for biotoxins. Deviations from these procedures may be required due to the unique
nature and rarity of some biotoxins. In these cases, primary data sources such as specific
journal articles will be examined to find the appropriate data needed to develop TEEL values.
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3.6.2 Exposure Limits used for TEEL Development for Biotoxins
The procedure for TEEL development for biological toxins begins with the same hierarchy of
data used to develop TEEL values for other chemicals. Published exposure limits exist for only a
small number of biological toxins.
The following sources will be contacted or consulted to see if they have developed any
exposure limits:
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH);
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC);
• American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH);
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA);
• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); and
Section 18
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – Division of Chemical and Biological
Threats.
If exposure limits have been developed by other organizations such as the European
Commission - European Chemicals Bureau or other public or private entities, they are
considered next. It is prudent to obtain the technical support documents for these exposure
limits.
3.6.3 Toxicity-Based Data for Developing TEEL Values for Biotoxins
HSDB, SAX, and RTECS are searched for relevant data. Once specific toxicity data are found in a
secondary data source, the citation or journal article is retrieved, if possible. If after these data
sources are searched and little or no data are found, a literature search using Google Scholar or
other similar search engines is performed to find journal and other appropriate publications.
Preference is given to articles that report data as toxicity endpoints such as an LC50 or LD50.
If these sources are searched and little or no data are found, the following data are considered
valid publications:
• Abstracts from scientific conferences can be used if actual data are presented rather
than a summary;
• Data from clinical and/or therapeutic uses may be used after careful scrutiny of the
original paper;
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• Articles reporting accidental exposures can be useful for identifying possible health
effects. However, reported values which may be estimated doses are not valid for TEEL
development;
• Articles, text chapters, and fact sheets can be used to obtain information; and
• Case studies can be used if there is nothing else.
Human data are preferred over data from other species. However, human data reported for
therapeutic uses may not be applicable to TEEL development. For example, secondary data
sources may report results of case studies describing the effectiveness of BOTOX® (Botulinum
toxin A) as a specific medical treatment. The dose given to elicit a specific cosmetic or
therapeutic response in humans is not useful for TEEL development.
After human data, preference is given to monkeys, dogs, rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, cats,
and pigs—in that order of hierarchy. The exception to this hierarchy is the existence of farm
animal data. Farm animal data may be more relevant than data from a laboratory experiment
due to the worldwide contamination of animal feed by some biological toxins (e.g.,
mycotoxins). The TEEL review panel should develop a recommendation on use of farm animal
data or any other deviation from the process (see Section 4.2).
If a species is used other than those listed in the aforementioned hierarchy, species-specific
data (e.g., average breathing rate) should be obtained to complete TEEL development. With
respect to route of exposure, preference is given to inhalation exposures followed by oral,
dermal, intraperitoneal, and intravenous—in that order. The TEEL review panel can supplant
this hierarchy if the data show that toxicity is dependent on the route of exposure.
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4 TEEL VALUE DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
4.1 Request for TEEL Value
A DOE field location that needs TEEL values for a chemical can submit a request to DOE Office
of Emergency Management using a form found on the Subcommittee on Consequence
Assessment and Protective Actions (SCAPA) website
(https://sp.eota.energy.gov/EM/SCAPA%20Shared%20Documents/NewTEELRequestForm.pdf).
The request is evaluated based on chemical toxicity, potential for its release, quantity stored,
and physical or chemical properties. If warranted, TEEL values are developed according to the
methodology described in Section 3. These are reported to the requestor and added to the PAC
dataset at the next update.
Section 19
4.2 Review Panel Assignment
While TEEL development has been a default methodology, there have been situations in the
past and there will continue to be circumstances that require the application of professional
judgment. A small technical review panel has been established by DOE Office of Emergency
Management to provide such judgment. All members of the review panel consider the
situation. If the review panel is not unanimous, the majority and minority opinions are reported
to DOE Office of Emergency Management. The review panel:
• resolves conflicts in TEEL values resulting from application of the default process by
evaluating all available factors and data;
• considers whether any of the data available for use in the default process should be
excluded; and
• recommends appropriate exceptions to the default process to produce a high-quality
TEEL value.
4.3 Specific Instructions for the Review Panel
The following are the technical instructions provided to the review panel to guide their
assessment of TEEL values:
• If the ratio adjustment factor (Section 3.4.6.1) is used, consider the factors and data
available to determine appropriate TEEL values that reflect the definitions for each level;
• In instances where the TEEL values conflict with their definitions, such as TEEL-2 greater
than the TEEL-3, review all factors and data used to derive the values;
• Apply professional judgment when selecting data that are the most reasonable and
defensible. Document any deviations from the default procedure;
https://sp.eota.energy.gov/EM/SCAPA%20Shared%20Documents/NewTEELRequestForm.pdf
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• Review data from a source that cannot be confirmed, and determine if the data should
be used;
• Review data sources that are of undetermined reliability, and determine if the source
should be used;
• Resolve cases where data may result in any of the following: TEEL-1=TEEL-2=TEEL-3; and
• Perform a “test of reasonableness” on TEEL values before publication, and make
appropriate exceptions to the default process to produce a high-quality value.
4.4 The TEEL Advisory Group
TEEL value development5 is supported directly through the DOE Office of Emergency
Management, which is responsible for developing, maintaining, and testing the Emergency
Management System at DOE sites and facilities.
The TEEL Advisory Group (TAG) provides technical support on TEEL values and related issues to
the DOE Office of Emergency Management. The seven TAG members are appointed by the DOE
Office of Emergency Management. The Chair of SCAPA also serves as an ex officio member of
the TAG. As stated in its charter (DOE, 2015a), the objectives of the TAG are to:
• promote consistency in calculations and application of TEEL values;
• provide quality control for the development of the TEEL values;
• keep abreast of evolving science and techniques in the field of toxicology;
• provide technical support on TEEL-related issues to DOE Office of Emergency
Management; and
• promote the understanding and use of PAC values within DOE, other government
agencies, and private interests.
5 TEEL development started as a project under the auspices of SCAPA, which provides technical
information and recommendations for emergency preparedness to assist in safeguarding the workers
and the public (DOE, 2015b). TEEL development shifted directly to the Office of Emergency Management
prior to the publication of DOE-HDBK-1046-2008.
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5 REVIEW PROCESS AND PUBLICATIONS
Section 20
5.1 Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Although the development of TEEL values uses an automated methodology, it is essential that
the sources, data, and methodology be subject to review on an ongoing and regular basis. This
provides the assurance that the outcomes are valid and that the procedures are repeatable and
empirical. Oversight for quality assurance and quality control activities is provided by the TAG.
The quality control process for the development of TEEL values is performed by the review
panel discussed in Section 4.2.
Prior to publication of a new revision, a “beta” version is made available to members of the
TAG, to personnel at the National Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability (NARAC), and select
other parties. After completion of the “beta” review and any necessary changes, the revision is
published.
5.2 Documentation
Changes, updates, and revisions to the PAC dataset are documented. Changes include changes
to data, updating exposure limits when they change, and simple formatting edits. When a
change is made, a new master file of the PAC dataset is created, with the date of the change
and the revision number being part of the new file name. This ensures version control of the
master file.
5.3 Publication of Protective Action Criteria
As a rule of thumb, DOE has sought to publish a new revision on an annual basis. This schedule
is subject to change due to a variety of factors that are considered by DOE management.
Current PAC values, including AEGL, ERPG, and TEEL values, are published on the Internet at:
https://sp.eota.energy.gov/pac (DOE, 2016).
https://sp.eota.energy.gov/pac
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REFERENCES
The most recent versions of the listed references are used in TEEL value development, e.g., the
2014 handbooks and guides to occupational exposures. The existing TEEL values are updated as
new AEGLs, ERPGs, TLVs, WEELs, etc. are published.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). (2014). 2014 TLVs and
BEIs [Based on the Documentation of Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and
Physical Agents & Biological Exposure Indices ACGIH]. Cincinnati, OH.
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). (2014). 2014 Emergency Response Planning
Guidelines and Workplace Environmental Exposure Levels. Fairfax, VA.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2007). NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical
Hazards (DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2005-149). Washington, DC. Retrieved January 19,
2015 from http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2005-149/pdfs/2005-149.pdf
Craig, D. K., Davis, J. S., Hansen, D. J., Petrocchi, A. J., Powell, T. J., & Tuccinardi, T. E. (2000).
Derivation of Temporary Emergency Exposure Limits (TEELs). Journal of Applied Toxicology,
20, 11-20.
Craig, D. K., Davis, J. S., DeVore, R., Hansen, D. J., Petrocchi, A. J., & Powell, T. J. (1995).
Alternative Guideline Limits for Chemicals without ERPGs. American Industrial Hygiene
Association Journal, 56, 919-925.
Klimisch, et al. (1997). A Systematic Approach for Evaluating the Quality of Experimental
Toxicological and Ecotoxicological Data. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 25,1-5.
Lewis, R. J., Sr. (SAX). (2012). Sax’s Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials [CD ROM] (12th
ed.). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.
National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council (NAS). (2007). Emergency and
Continuous Exposure Guidance Levels for Selected Submarine Contaminants, Volume 1.
Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
Section 21
National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council (NAS). (2008). Emergency and
Continuous Exposure Guidance Levels for Selected Submarine Contaminants, Volume 2.
Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council (NAS). (2009). Emergency and
Continuous Exposure Guidance Levels for Selected Submarine Contaminants, Volume 3.
Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2005-149/pdfs/2005-149.pdf
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
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National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council (NAS). (2001). Standing Operating
Procedures for the Development of Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Hazardous
Chemicals. Washington, DC: National Academy Press. Retrieved January 19, 2015 from
http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/aegl/pubs/sop.pdf
National Library of Medicine (NLM). (2015). TOXNET Toxicology Data Network. Hazardous
Substances Data Bank (HSDB). Accessed January 2015 through
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?HSDB
National Research Council (NRC). (1985). Emergency and Continuous Exposure Guidance Levels
for Selected Airborne Contaminants. Washington, DC: National Academy of Sciences Press.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (2004). 2004 NIOSH Respirator
Selection Logic. Section V, Subparagraph 1: Oxygen-Deficient Atmosphere. Retrieved
January 19, 2015 from http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2005-100/pdfs/2005-100.pdf
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (1995). Documentation for
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Concentrations (IDLH): Chemical Listing and
Documentation of Revised IDLH Values (as of 3/1/95). Accessed January 19, 2015 through
http://cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/intridl4.html
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2015a). Regulation 1910, Occupational
Safety and Health Standards (Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances, Table Z-1: Limits
for Air Contaminants). Retrieved January 19, 2015 from
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=
9992
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2015b). Regulation 1910, Occupational
Safety and Health Standards (Subpart I, Personal Protective Equipment, 1910.134:
Respiratory Protection). Retrieved January 19, 2015 from
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=
12716
Registry of the Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS). (2015). Accessed January 2015
through ExPub, a proprietary data source, http://www.expub.com
ten Berge, W. F., Zwart, A. & Appelman, L. M. (1986). Concentration-time mortality response
relationship of irritant and systemically acting vapours and gases. Journal of Hazardous
Materials, 13(3), 301-309.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). (2015a). TEEL Advisory Group Charter.
http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/aegl/pubs/sop.pdf
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?HSDB
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2005-100/pdfs/2005-100.pdf
http://cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/intridl4.html
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9992
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9992
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=12716
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=12716
http://www.expub.com/
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
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Section 22
U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE). (2015b). Charter
[Subcommittee on Consequence Assessment and Protective Actions (SCAPA) Charter].
Retrieved October 19, 2016, from
https://sp.eota.energy.gov/EM/SiteAssets/Subcommittee/Charters/SCAPA%20Charter.pdf
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). (2016). Revision 29 Protective Action Criteria Chemicals with
AEGLs, ERPGs, and TEELs. Retrieved October 19, 2016, from https://sp.eota.energy.gov/pac
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). (2007). Technical Planning Basis (DOE G 151.1-2). Retrieved
January 19, 2015 from https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/100-
series/0151.1-EGuide-2
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). (1992). DOE Fundamentals Handbook, Mathematics (DOE-
HDBK-1014/1-92), Volume 1 of 2. Retrieved January 19, 2015 from
http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2013/06/f2/h1014v1.pdf
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2014). Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs).
AEGL Chemicals. Retrieved January 19, 2015 from
http://www.epa.gov/oppt/aegl/pubs/chemlist.htm
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (1987). Technical Guidance for Hazards Analysis:
Emergency Planning for Extremely Hazardous Substances. Retrieved January 19, 2015 from
http://www.epa.gov/oem/docs/chem/tech.pdf
https://sp.eota.energy.gov/EM/SiteAssets/Subcommittee/Charters/SCAPA%20Charter.pdf
https://sp.eota.energy.gov/pac
https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/100-series/0151.1-EGuide-2
https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/100-series/0151.1-EGuide-2
http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2013/06/f2/h1014v1.pdf
http://www.epa.gov/oppt/aegl/pubs/chemlist.htm
http://www.epa.gov/oem/docs/chem/tech.pdf
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GLOSSARY
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
Professional association of industrial hygienists.
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
Professional association of industrial hygienists.
Ceiling limit
The upper limit of chemicals in workplace air not to be exceeded at any time.
Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)
The organization that assigns registry numbers (CASRNs) to chemicals.
Emergency Exposure Guidance Level (EEGL)
One of the guidance levels for specific contaminants (reviewed and developed by a
subcommittee of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission) derived for U.S. Navy personnel
operating under emergency conditions for which regulatory agencies have not set standards.
Emergency planning hazards assessment
The application of rigorous hazard analysis techniques that provide sufficient detail to assess a
broad spectrum of postulated events or conditions involving the potential onsite release of
hazardous materials and to analyze the resulting consequences.
Good Laboratory Practice
A quality system of management controls for research laboratories and organizations to try to
ensure the uniformity, consistency, reliability, reproducibility, quality, and integrity of chemical
(including pharmaceuticals) non-clinical safety tests—from physio-chemical properties through
acute to chronic toxicity tests.
Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
A peer-reviewed database on toxic effects of chemicals, managed by the National Library of
Medicine.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH)
The concentration of a chemical in air which, if exposed, a person should leave immediately.
Lethal Concentration, 50% (LC50)
The concentration of a substance in air that kills 50% of the test population.
Section 23
Lethal Concentration, Lowest (LCLo)
Lowest concentration of a substance in air that has been shown to cause death in a test
population.
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Lethal Dose, 50% (LD50)
The dose of a substance administered by any route (other than inhalation) that causes death to
50% of the test population.
Lethal Dose, Lowest (LDLo)
The lowest dose of a substance administered by any route (other than inhalation) that has been
shown to cause death in a test population.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
An international nonprofit organization that develops, publishes, and disseminates more than
300 consensus codes and standards intended to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and
other risks.
Operational Emergency
An event or condition that involves the uncontrolled release of a hazardous material and either
immediately threatens or endangers personnel who are in close proximity of the event; has the
potential for dispersal beyond the immediate vicinity of the release in quantities that threaten
the health and safety of onsite personnel or the public in collocated facilities, activities, and/or
offsite; and has a potential rate of dispersal sufficient to require a time-urgent response to
implement protective actions for workers and the public.
Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs)
A legally enforceable occupational exposure limit promulgated by the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration.
Particulates Not Otherwise Specified (PNOS)
Term applied to substances not characterized in some other way.
parts per million (ppm)
A conventional measure of concentration of a chemical gas or vapor in air, by volume.
Route Adjustment Factor (RAF)
A unitless parameter to adjust exposure for different absorption efficiencies by different routes
(e.g., oral, dermal, etc.).
Recommended Exposure Limits (RELs)
Occupational exposure limits published by NIOSH.
Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS)
A proprietary database that is a compendium of the results of toxicological experiments.
Structure Activity Relationship (SAR)
A procedure for predicting a chemical’s effects from its chemical structure.
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N. Irving Sax (SAX)
The original editor of Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials.
Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL)
A 15-minute TWA exposure limit that should not be exceeded at any time during a work day.
Subcommittee on Consequence Assessment and Protective Actions (SCAPA)
Provides the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration and its
contractors with technical information and recommendations for emergency preparedness to
assist in safeguarding the health and safety of workers and the public.
TEEL Advisory Group (TAG)
An advisory group to DOE that provides advice and oversight on TEELs.
Toxicology Excellence for Risk Assessment (TERA)
A 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization based in Cincinnati, Ohio – became home of the WEEL
Committee on January 1, 2012.
Toxic concentration, lowest (TCLo)
Lowest reported concentration causing toxic effects in a test population.
Toxic dose, lowest (TDLo)
Lowest reported dose causing toxic effects in a test population.
Threshold Limit Values (TLVs)
An occupational exposure limit developed and published by ACGIH.
Time-Weighted Average (TWA)
The average concentration of a chemical in air for a specified time period, commonly 8 hours.
Section 24
Workplace Environmental Exposure Levels (WEELs)
Health-based occupational exposure limits for chemicals that lack PELs, TLVs, or RELs, developed
and published by AIHA until 2011. TERA became home of the WEEL Committee January 1, 2012..
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APPENDIX A
DERIVATION OF THE TOXICITY DATA ADJUSTMENT FACTORS USED IN TEEL VALUE
DEVELOPMENT
September 2013
SUMMARY
The purpose is to update the adjustment factors used to develop TEEL values from toxicity data
listed in Craig, et. al., (2000), Table 5, and in DOE-HDBK-1046-2008, Temporary Emergency
Exposure Limits for Chemicals: Methods and Practice, Table 3.2 (DOE, 2008).
The adjustment factors originally used in the TEEL development methodology were developed
from an analysis of ratios of toxicity data to Emergency Response Planning Guidelines (ERPGs).
When Craig, et. al., (2000) performed these calculations, ERPGs were used because they were
the primary Protective Action Criteria (PACs) used at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facilities.
At present the primary PACs used at DOE facilities are Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs).
Thus, the analysis used to develop six new adjustment factors following the basic approach
used by Craig, et. al., (2000), but using ratios of toxicity data to AEGL values is described.
The ratios of toxicity data to corresponding AEGL-2 or AEGL-3 values were calculated. Then the
means of those ratios were calculated and the six means were rounded to two significant digits.
Those six means are the proposed adjustment factors. The recommendation that these
adjustment factors be used in future TEEL development was submitted to the DOE Office of
Emergency Management. DOE accepted the recommendation. Table 1 shows each adjustment
factor with its corresponding toxicity parameter to which it will be applied when deriving future
TEEL values.
Table 1. Adjustment Factors
TEEL-3 TEEL-2
Toxicity Parameter LC50 LD50 LCLo LDLo TCLo TDLo
Proposed Adjustment
Factor 36 3.3 37 2.5 13 2.9
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BACKGROUND
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) requires all DOE facilities with significant chemical
inventories to prepare for chemical emergencies. Evaluating and preparing for chemical
emergencies, however, is not unique to DOE. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with
the assistance of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) develops Acute Exposure Guideline
Levels (AEGLs) to help in planning for chemical emergencies (EPA, 2010). The American
Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) develops Emergency Response Planning Guidelines
(ERPGs) as planning tools for emergency response to chemical releases (AIHA, 2013). However,
AEGL and ERPG values together exist for roughly 400 chemicals. Recognizing that there are
many chemicals at DOE facilities that present emergency planning concerns, and for which
there are no AEGL or ERPG values, the DOE supports the development of Temporary
Emergency Exposure Limits (TEELs) until ERPG or AEGL values are derived (DOE, 2012). As used
here, PACs is a collective term that includes AEGL, ERPG, and TEEL values.
In 2000, Craig, et. al., described the default methodology that was originally used for
developing TEEL values. The default methodology was also documented in
DOE-HDBK-1046-2008, Temporary Emergency Exposure Limits for Chemicals: Methods and
Practice, “the Handbook,” (DOE, 2008). In 2009, DOE commissioned an independent review of
the default methodology by a group of subject matter experts. The independent reviewers
recommended several changes to the default TEEL development methodology. DOE will
document the changes to the default methodology in an updated version of the DOE
Handbook. However, the methods and procedures found in Craig, et. al., (2000) continue to
provide the basic framework for developing TEEL values.
Section 25
TEEL values are developed for three levels: TEEL-1, TEEL-2, and TEEL-3. Each level represents an
increase in the severity of the potential effects from exposure to a chemical in an emergency
situation. Definitions for the TEEL levels can be found in Table 2.1 in The Handbook (DOE,
2008).
The TEEL development methodology is based on a hierarchy of data types. First in this hierarchy
are published exposure limits such as Threshold Limits Values (TLVs) published by the American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Because published exposure limits
exist for a limited number of chemicals, TEEL values are also developed from published toxicity
data found in secondary data sources, such as the Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB).
The original data extraction procedures and the calculations used to develop TEEL values from
toxicity data were described in Craig, et. al., (2000). The independent reviewers made several
recommendations to DOE regarding the selection of toxicity data used in TEEL value
development. The data extraction procedures used in this analysis incorporate the
recommendations of the independent review committee.
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Toxicity data are only used for developing TEEL values in the absence of published exposure
limits. More specifically, toxicity data are used to develop TEEL-2 and TEEL-3 values. When
available, Toxic Concentration, Lowest (TCLo) or Toxic Dose (TDLo) data (in this priority order) are
used to develop TEEL-2 values. Lethal Concentration, 50% (LC50), Lethal Concertation, Lowest
(LCLo), Lethal Dose, 50% (LD50), and Lethal Dose, Lowest (LDLo) (in this priority order) are used to
develop TEEL-3 values.
The LC50 and LCLo are given priority because they are based on inhalation data – which is highest
in the route of exposure hierarchy. The LC50 is preferred over the LCLo, and the LD50 is preferred
over the LDLo because there are multiple data points used to derive the 50% value. The “Lo”
data are usually a single data point. Thus there is more reliability in the LC50 and LD50 values.
Craig, et. al., (2000) described the procedures used to derive the first adjustment factors that
were used to develop TEEL values from toxicity data. When they performed their analysis, ERPG
values were the only emergency planning guidelines used at DOE facilities. Consequently, the
methodology for developing TEEL values from toxicity data began with analyzing the
relationships between ERPG values and the toxicity parameters listed above. They extracted
toxicity data for all 77 chemicals with ERPG values at the time, and calculated ratios of LC50,
LD50, LCLo, and LDLo data to ERPG-3 values, and ratios of TCLo and TDLo data to ERPG-2 values.
The means of these ratios were rounded and became the adjustment factors used to calculate
TEEL values from toxicity data (Craig, et. al., 2000; DOE, 2008). Since the time of their analysis,
AEGL values have been developed by EPA and the National Research Council (EPA, 2010) for
258 chemicals. In addition, AEGL values are now the primary PAC values used in DOE
emergency planning (DOE, 2005).
For the analysis described here, AEGL values were selected as the basis for deriving the new
adjustment factors for three reasons:
• The DOE Office of Emergency Management has defined TEEL values based on the
definitions of 60-minute AEGL values;
• Sixty-minute AEGL values are the primary PAC values used at DOE facilities; and
Section 26
• The current AEGL dataset provides a larger number of chemicals upon which to base the
derivation of the adjustment factors.
METHODS
For this analysis, ratios of AEGL values were calculated to corresponding toxicity data. Toxicity
data was extracted from secondary data sources for all chemicals with AEGL-2 &/or -3 values.
All of the chemicals with AEGL-2, and/or -3 values were entered into an Excel® workbook with
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their corresponding AEGL values. There are 258 chemicals with Final or Interim AEGL-2 and/or
AEGL-3 values.
Toxicity Data. For each of the 258 chemicals, LC50, LD50, LCLo, LDLo, TCLo, and TDLo data, if
available, was extracted. The HSDB was the first source used for obtaining the toxicity data.
Sax’s Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 11th & 12th eds. (Lewis, 2005; Lewis, 2012)
and the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) were used second and third,
respectively, to fill in data gaps. Data gaps were defined as any toxicity parameter data point
that was not found in HSDB. For each toxicity parameter, the following data, if available, were
extracted:
• Species
o Human
o Monkey
o Dog
o Rat
o Mouse
o Rabbit
o Guinea pig
o Cat
o Pig
• Dose (in mg/kg) or exposure concentration (in ppm or mg/m3),
• Routes of exposure
o Inhalation (for LC50, LCLo, and TCLo)
o Oral
o Dermal
o Intravenous
o Intraperitoneal
• Exposure time (in minutes – closest to 60 minutes)
The toxicity data extraction procedures used in this analysis incorporate the recommendations
of the independent review committee6. The new procedures require more scrutiny of the
toxicity data, than was performed historically in TEEL development.
Calculation of the Concentration Equivalent Values and the Ratios
When deriving TEEL values from toxicity data, concentration equivalent values in mg/m3 are
calculated from the published toxicity data using species-specific breathing rates and body
6 Email from David Freshwater: “Implementation of Outside Review Recommendations;” 12/21/2010
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weights. The methodology described in Section 3.4 of the Handbook (DOE, 2008) was used as a
point of departure, but the calculations were modified in the following ways:
• New route adjustment factors were used (see Table 2).
• Exposure times were adjusted to 60 minutes
• The ten Berge equation was used to adjust exposure times to 60-minutes
• “Human equivalent toxicity” values were not used in this analysis.7
7 When toxicity data from species other than humans were used to develop TEEL values, this value was
calculated using the species body weight and average breathing rate and human body weight and
average breathing rate (Craig et. al., 2000).
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Table 2. Route Adjustment Factors8
Inhalation Oral Dermal Intraperitoneal Intravenous
1 0.5 0.05/0.1* 1 1
*0.05 is used for insoluble compounds, and 0.1 is used for soluble compounds
The exposure times of the LC50, LCLo, and TCLo data were adjusted to 60 minutes using the ten
Berge equation: Cn ⨯ t = k (ten Berge et al., 1986). When extrapolating from longer exposure
times to 60 minutes, the exponent n = 3 is used; when extrapolating from shorter exposure
times to 60 minutes, the exponent n = 1 is used. These are default values for n recommended
by the NAC/AEGL Committee when there are not enough data to derive a chemical-specific
value for n (NAS, 2001).
The ratios of the concentration equivalent values to corresponding AEGL values were used in
the statistical analyses.
Section 27
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
The means, medians, modes, sample variance, standard deviations (SD), confidence intervals
(using an α of 0.05), and the skewness and kurtosis statistics of the ratios of the concentration
equivalent values to AEGL values were calculated. Skewness is a measure of the symmetry of a
data set where a zero skewness statistic represents absolute symmetry. Kurtosis is a parameter
that describes the shape (peakedness) of a variable’s probability distribution. Normal
distributions produce a kurtosis statistic of approximately zero. The descriptive statistics for
these datasets showed that none of the data are normally distributed. The means, medians,
and modes differ from each other, and the standard deviations are significantly greater than
the means. The data are also kurtotic, and in most cases, the skewness statistic is large. It is
possible to meet the assumptions of normality by log-transforming the data using the natural
log of the number (Munro, 1997). Log-transformation puts all of the variables onto a common
scale of variation. The ratios were transformed, using the natural log of the number. The
means, medians, modes, sample variance, SDs, confidence intervals, and the skewness and
kurtosis statistics of the log-transformed ratios were re-calculated. The log-transformed ratios
were used for subsequent analyses and derivation of the adjustment factors.
RESULTS
The ratios of toxicity data to AEGL values are not normally distributed; therefore, those data
were not used in this analysis and are not shown.
8 Email from David Freshwater: “Implementation of Outside Review Recommendations;” 12/21/2010
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The descriptive statistics of the log-transformed ratios are presented in Tables 3 and 4. As can
be seen, the datasets meet the assumptions of normality. In each case, the means, medians,
and modes are similar, the standard deviations are no longer significantly greater than the
means, and the skewness and kurtosis statistics are near zero.
Table 3. Descriptive Statistics: Log-transformed Ratios – Lethality Data to AEGL-3 Values
Statistic LC50 LD50 LCLo LDLo
Count 395 837 252 159
Mean 2.86 0.03 2.65 -0.58
Median 2.70 -0.14 2.63 -0.87
Mode 7.36 -2.5 2.45 N/A
SD 1.67 2.00 1.78 2.24
Variance 2.80 4.01 3.18 5.02
Kurtosis 1.46 0.53 0.68 0.36
Skewness 0.36 0.55 -0.10 0.38
Confidence Interval (α = 0.05) ±0.17 ±0.14 ±0.22 ±0.35
Table 4. Descriptive Statistics: Log-transformed Ratios – Toxicity Data to AEGL-2 Values
Statistic TCLo TDLo
Count 122 92
Mean 1.20 -0.39
Median 1.43 -0.41
Mode 0.74 N/A
SD 1.98 2.10
Variance 3.94 4.40
Kurtosis -0.61 0.79
Skewness -0.14 -0.48
Confidence Interval (α = 0.05) ±0.36 ±0.43
Outliers from the log-transformed datasets were removed. For these analyses, outliers were
defined as any ratio that was greater than or equal to the mean of the ratios plus two times the
standard deviation, and any ratio that was less than or equal to the mean minus two times the
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
A-8
standard deviation. New means and confidence intervals were calculated on the adjusted, log-
transformed datasets.
The results of the regression analyses performed on the six toxicity parameters and the
corresponding AEGL values are shown in Figures 1 through 6. The data shown in these figures
have the outliers removed.
Figure 1. Regression analysis showing linear relationship between the
log-transformed LC50 data and AEGL-3 values.
R² = 0.8408
-6
-4
-2
0
Section 28
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
-2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
LC
50
D
at
a
AEGL-3
R² = 0.8408
-6
-4
-2
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
-2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
LC
50
D
at
a
AEGL-3
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
A-9
Figure 2. Regression analysis showing linear relationship between the
log-transformed LD50 data and AEGL-3 values
R² = 0.7608
-6
-4
-2
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
-6 -3 0 3 6 9 12
LD
50
D
at
a
AEGL-3
R² = 0.7608
-6
-4
-2
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
-6 -3 0 3 6 9 12
LD
50
D
at
a
AEGL-3
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
A-10
Figure 3. Regression analysis showing linear relationship between the
log-transformed LCLo data and AEGL-3 values.
R² = 0.7835
-4
-2
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
LC
Lo
D
at
a
AEGL-3
R² = 0.7835
-4
-2
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
LC
Lo
D
at
a
AEGL-3
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
A-11
Figure 4. Regression analysis showing linear relationship between the
log-transformed LDLo data and AEGL-3 values.
R² = 0.6932
-6
-4
-2
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
-6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12
LD
Lo
D
at
a
AEGL-3
R² = 0.6932
-6
-4
-2
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
-6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12
LD
Lo
D
at
a
AEGL-3
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
A-12
Figure 5. Regression analysis showing linear relationship between the
log-transformed TCLo data and AEGL-2 values.
R² = 0.6951
-8
-6
-4
-2
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
-6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
TC
Lo
d
at
a
AEGL-2
R² = 0.6951
-8
-6
-4
-2
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
-6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
TC
Lo
d
at
a
AEGL-2
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
A-13
Figure 6. Regression analysis showing linear relationship between the
log-transformed TDLo data and AEGL-2 values.
Log-transformed values do not correspond to actual distributions, so they are not a direct
representation of the real distribution. In addition, the back-transformed mean of log-
transformed values is not the same as the mean of the original raw values. So neither the log-
transformed means nor back-transformed means from the datasets were suitable; therefore, a
different approach was used.
The raw datasets do not meet the assumptions of a normal distribution; for example, the
standard deviations are very large. The objective is to comply with the definition of an outlier,
as defined above, to reduce distortion of the means. However, the means minus two standard
R² = 0.6683
-8
-6
-4
-2
0
2
4
6
8
10
-8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10TD
Lo
d
at
a
AEGL-2
R² = 0.6683
-8
-6
-4
-2
0
2
4
6
8
10
-8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10TD
Lo
d
at
a
AEGL-2
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
A-14
deviations result in negative numbers; none of the ratios in the raw datasets are negative
numbers. As a solution, the statistical analyses performed on the log-transformed datasets
were used and ratios that met our definition of outliers were removed, that is the mean +/-
2*SD. These ratios and their corresponding chemicals in the raw datasets were then removed
as outliers. The descriptive statistics for the adjusted raw datasets are presented in Table 5.
Table 5. Descriptive Statistics of the Adjusted Datasets: Mean Values +/- (2 ⨯ SD)
Statistic LC50 LD50 LCLo LDLo TCLo TDLo
Count 369 792 235 154 120 89
Mean 36 3.3 37 2.5 13 2.9
Median 14.3 0.84 14.1 0.41 4.2 0.67
Mode 1.7 0.08 11.5 N/A 2.1 N/A
SD 62 6.8 63 5.1 24.3 4.8
Variance 3912 46.6 4020 26.2 591.4 22.9
Kurtosis 15.18 17.1 16.2 14.1 11.5 5.4
Skewness 3.7 3.8 3.8 3.4 3.2 2.3
Confidence Interval
(α = 0.05)
±6.4 ±0.48 ±8.15 ±0.81 ±4.40 ±1.01
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
Section 29
A-15
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Adjustment factors were derived using a process similar to that described by Craig, et. al.,
(2000), but the analysis used AEGL values instead of ERPG values. In this analysis, the means of
the ratios of the toxicity parameters to their corresponding AEGL values were calculated. The
means were rounded to two significant digits following accepted mathematical conventions.
Those means are the adjustment factors. A comparison of these adjustment factors to the
original adjustment factors described in Craig, et. al., (2000) is presented in Table 6.
Table 6. Proposed and Original Adjustment Factors Used to Derive TEEL Values from Toxicity Data
TEEL-3 TEEL-2
LC50 LD50 LCLo LDLo TCLo TDLo
Proposed Adjustment Factors 36 3.3 37 2.5 13 2.9
Craig, et. al., 2000; DOE, 2008 100 2 100 1 15 1.5
Using these adjustment factors will change numerous TEEL values. TEEL values derived from
LC50, LCLo and TCLo data will increase. TEEL values derived LD50, LDLo, and TDLo data will decrease.
The adjustment factors were submitted to the DOE Office of Emergency Management with the
recommendation that they be used in future TEEL development. DOE accepted the
recommendation.
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
A-16
REFERENCES
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). (2013). 2013 Emergency Response Planning
Guidelines and Workplace Environmental Exposure Levels. AIHA Guideline Foundation, Falls
Church, VA.
Craig, D. K., Davis, J. S., Hansen, D. J., Petrocchi, A. J., Powell, T. J., & Tuccinardi, T. E. (2000).
Derivation of Temporary Emergency Exposure Limits (TEELs). Journal of Applied Toxicology.
20:11-20.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2013). Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs).
Available online at http://www.epa.gov/oppt/aegl/pubs/chemlist.htm. Last accessed February
2013.
Lewis, Richard J. Sr. (2005). Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials (11th Edition)
Volumes 1-3. John Wiley & Sons. Available online at
http://www.knovel.com/web/portal/browse/display?_EXT_KNOVEL_DISPLAY_bookid=1332&V
erticalID.
Lewis, Richard J. Sr. (2012). Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials (12th Edition)
Volumes 1-3. Available on CD-Rom, John Wiely &Son, Inc. ISBN 978-0-470-62324-4.
Munro, B. H. (1997). Statistical methods for health care research. (3rd ed.) Philadelphia:
Lippincott-Raven Publishers.
National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council (NAS). (2001). Standing Operating
Procedures for the Development of Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs) for Hazardous
Chemicals. Washington, DC: National Academy Press. The PDF is available from the National
Academies Press at: http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10122.html.
ten Berge, W. F., Zwart, A., & Appelman, L.M. (1986). Concentration-time mortality response
relationship of irritant and systemically acting vapours and gases. Journal of Hazardous
Materials. 13(3):301-309.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). (2005). Comprehensive Emergency Management System
(DOE Order 151.1C). Available online at https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-
documents/100-series/0151.1-BOrder-c.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). (2008). DOE Handbook. Temporary Emergency Exposure
Limits for Chemicals: Methods and Practice (DOE Publication No. DOE-HDBK-1046-2008).
Available online at http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2013/06/f1/DOE-HDBK-1046-2008.pdf.
Last Accessed May 2013.
Section 30
http://www.epa.gov/oppt/aegl/pubs/chemlist.htm
http://www.knovel.com/web/portal/browse/display?_EXT_KNOVEL_DISPLAY_bookid=1332&VerticalID
http://www.knovel.com/web/portal/browse/display?_EXT_KNOVEL_DISPLAY_bookid=1332&VerticalID
http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10122.html
https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/100-series/0151.1-BOrder-c
https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/100-series/0151.1-BOrder-c
http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2013/06/f1/DOE-HDBK-1046-2008.pdf
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
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U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). (2012). PAC Tables and Excel Workbook: AEGLs, ERPGs, and
TEELs for Chemicals of Concern. Available online at: https://sp.eota.energy.gov/pac/. Last
accessed October 2016.
https://sp.eota.energy.gov/pac/
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
B-1
APPENDIX B
STATISTICS IN SUPPORT OF TEEL VALUE METHODOLOGY MULTIPLICATION FACTORS
This whitepaper was released in June 2011. NOTE: Since this paper was written in 2011, website
locations are listed as they were when the paper was written. TEEL website locations
transitioned in 2016 from ATL websites to https://sp.eota.energy.gov/pac/.
SUMMARY
Multiplying factors are used to develop Temporary Emergency Exposure Limits (TEEL) values
from other Protective Action Criteria (PACs) when there are not enough suitable data to
support derivation of TEEL values by other means. The multiplying factors in DOE-HDBK-1046-
2008, Temporary Emergency Exposure Limits for Chemicals: Methods and Practice (DOE 2008)
were developed before Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs) existed. This appendix
describes a process in which AEGLs were used to reexamine the basis of these multiplying
factors. Ratios for all matched pairs of AEGL-3 to AEGL-2, and AEGL-2 to AEGL-1 values were
calculated. The mean of the AEGL-2 to AEGL-1 ratios is 11.19. The mean of the AEGL-3 to AEGL-
2 ratios is 5.67. Therefore, a value of six is used as the new multiplying factor for developing
PAC-3 values from PAC-2 values and vice versa. A value of eleven is the multiplying factor used
to calculate PAC-2 from PAC-1 values and vice versa.
BACKGROUND
The first list of TEEL values was released in 1992. In 1995, Craig, et. al., published the original
methodology for developing TEEL values. This methodology was based on hierarchies of
commonly available and published exposure limits, such as Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs)
promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In 2000, Craig, et.
al., published an updated methodology for developing TEEL values. This default methodology is
also documented in DOE-HDBK-1046-2008, Temporary Emergency Exposure Limits for
Chemicals: Methods and Practice (DOE, 2008).
TEEL values are developed for three levels; TEEL-1, TEEL-2, and TEEL-3. Each level represents an
increase in the severity of biological effects. Definitions for each of the Protective Action
Criteria (PAC) levels can be found online at
http://www.atlintl.com/DOE/teels/teel/teeldef.html. As used here, Protective Action Criteria
(PACs) is a collective term that includes AEGL, ERPG, and TEEL values.
https://sp.eota.energy.gov/pac/
http://www.atlintl.com/DOE/teels/teel/teeldef.html
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
B-2
TEEL-1, -2, and -3 have the same definitions as the 60-minute AEGL-1, -2, and -3. A list of
chemicals with AEGL, ERPG, and TEEL values can be found online at
http://www.atlintl.com/DOE/teels/teel.html (DOE, 2010).
Section 31
For some chemicals, there are no AEGL or ERPG values and there are not enough suitable data
available to develop all four TEEL values. In these cases, the missing value(s) is derived from an
existing value. Craig, et al., (2000) describes the original multiplying factors that are used to
derive a missing TEEL value from an existing PAC value, either above or below the missing
value.
This analysis addressed two multiplying factors: one used to derive a PAC-3 from a PAC-2, and
vice versa; the other one used to derive a PAC-1 from a PAC-2. Until now, the first multiplying
factor had been derived by estimating the means of ratios of ERPG-3 to ERPG-2 values
(calculated to be ~5.0); the second one had been derived by estimating the mean of ratios of
ERPG-2 to ERPG-1 values (calculated to be ~7.0) (Craig, et. al., 2000).
There are approximately 260 chemicals with AEGL values (EPA, 2010) compared to 142
chemicals with ERPG values (AIHA, 2010). Further, there were only 77 chemicals ERPG values
when Craig, et. al., (2000) derived the first multiplying factors. Using a larger dataset usually
improves the likelihood that the results accurately represent the population from which they
are drawn.
http://www.atlintl.com/DOE/teels/teel.html
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
B-3
METHODS
AEGLs were selected as the basis for deriving new multiplying factors for three reasons: (a) The
DOE Office of Emergency Management, has defined TEEL values based on the definitions of
AEGLs; (b) AEGL values are now the primary PACs used at DOE facilities; and (c) The current
AEGL dataset provides a large sample of chemicals upon which to base the derivation. ATL staff
compiled a list of chemicals with AEGL-1 and AEGL-2 values, and another list of chemicals with
AEGL-2 and AEGL-3 values (EPA, 2010). There are 162 chemicals with AEGL-1 and AEGL-2
values, and 250 chemicals with AEGL-2 and AEGL-3 values.
EPA describes the methods and data they use for developing AEGL values in chemical-specific
Technical Support Documents (TSDs) on the EPA-AEGL website
(http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/aegl/). As documented in these chemical-specific TSDs, if the
authors were not able to find appropriate chemical-specific data to develop an AEGL-2, then
the AEGL-2 is derived by reducing AEGL-3 value by a factor of three (For an example, see the
TSD for phenyl mercaptan,
http://www.epa.gov/oppt/aegl/pubs/phenyl_mercaptan_interim_nov_2007_v1.pdf).
Chemicals were eliminated from the list containing AEGL-2 and AEGL-3 values if the AEGL-2 had
been calculated from the AEGL-3 value. This reduced the number of chemicals for the AEGL-3
to AEGL-2 ratio analysis to 214. Similar calculations used to derive AEGL-1 values from AEGL-2
values were not found. Thus, no chemicals were removed from that list before the analyses
were performed; the number of chemicals for the AEGL-2 to AEGL-1 ratio analysis was 162.
The counts, means, medians, modes, sample variance, standard deviations (SD), and the
skewness and kurtosis statistics for the AEGL-3 to AEGL-2, and the AEGL-2 to AEGL-1 ratios
were calculated. Outliers were removed from both data sets. In this analysis, outliers were
defined as any ratio that was greater than or equal to the mean of the ratios plus two standard
deviations, and any ratio that was less than or equal to the mean minus two standard
deviations.
The adjusted data sets were used for subsequent bivariate statistical analyses. The ratios of the
AEGL-1 to AEGL-2 and the AEGL-2 to AEGL-3 values were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation
and regression analyses.
Section 32
http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/aegl/
http://www.epa.gov/oppt/aegl/pubs/phenyl_mercaptan_interim_nov_2007_v1.pdf
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
B-4
RESULTS
The results of the descriptive statistics for the two adjusted datasets show that both datasets
meet the assumptions of normality. The means, medians, modes, and standard deviations are
similar and the data are only slightly kurtotic and skewed. See Table 1. The mean ratio of AEGL-
3 to AEGL-2 values is 5.67 and the mean ratio of AEGL-2 to AEGL-1 values is 11.19. Rounded to 6
and 11 respectively, these values are the bases for the new multiplying factors.
Table 1. Descriptive Statistics of the Adjusted Ratio Datasets
Statistic AEGL-3/AEGL-2 AEGL-2/AEGL-1
Count 211 158
Mean 5.67 11.19
Median 3.75 7.73
Mode 4.52 12.17
SD 6.64 10.28
Variance 44.13 105.62
Kurtosis 16.83 3.65
Skewness 3.77 1.87
Confidence Interval
(α = 0.05) ±0.90 ±1.61
The results of the Pearson’s correlation and regression analyses for both datasets are presented
in Table 2. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) indicates the extent to which the ratios lie
on a straight line. A large correlation coefficient indicates that the correlation between the
variables is strong. As can be seen in Table 2, both correlation coefficients are greater than 0.9.
This indicates that there are strong correlations between the AEGL values.
The regression analyses show that the variability in the AEGL-3 values will predict the variability
in the AEGL-2 values 92% of the time, and the variability of the AEGL-1 values will predict the
variability in the AEGL-2 values 88% of the time. The results of these analyses show that there is
a predictive relationship between the AEGL-1 and AEGL-2 values, and between the AEGL-2 and
AEGL-3 values.
Table 2. Statistical Analyses – Correlations Performed on the Adjusted Datasets
Values Pearson’s r
(N)
r2
(N)
AEGL-3 & AEGL-2 0.959 0.920
AEGL-2 & AEGL-1 0.937 0.879
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
B-5
Figures 1 and 2 show the strong linear relationship between the AEGL-3 & AEGL-2 values, and
between the AEGL-2 & AEGL-1 values. The data are plotted on a logarithmic scale to show all
data points.
Figure 1. Linear regression results showing the relationship
between AEGL-2 & AEGL-3 values
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
-10 -5 0 5 10 15AE
GL
-1
AEGL-2
Figure 2. Linear regression results showing the relationship
between AEGL-1 & AEGL-2 values
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
-10 -5 0 5 10 15
AE
GL
-2
AEGL-3
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
B-6
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The new multiplying factors were derived using a process similar to that described in Craig, et.
al., (2000). The primary difference is that AEGL values were used instead of ERPG values. The
means and the confidence intervals were calculated for the adjusted ratio datasets. The means
were rounded to the nearest whole numbers. The rounded mean of the AEGL-3 to AEGL-2
ratios is six, and the rounded mean of the AEGL-2 to AEGL-1 ratios is eleven. The two
corresponding multiplying factors originally used in TEEL development are presented in Table 4
with the new adjustment factors for comparison.
Table 4. Comparison of the Proposed Multiplying Factors to the Current Multiplying Factors
TEEL-3:TEEL-2 TEEL-2:TEEL-1
Proposed Factors 6 11
Current Factors (DOE, 2008) 5 7
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
B-7
REFERENCES
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). (2010). 2010 Emergency Response Planning
Guidelines and Workplace Environmental Exposure Levels. Fairfax, VA.
Section 33
Craig, D. K., Davis, J. S., DeVore, R., Hansen, D. J., Petrocchi, A. J., & Powell, T. J. (1995).
Alternative guideline limits for chemicals without ERPGs. American Industrial Hygiene
Association Journal. 56:919-925.
Craig, D. K., Davis, J. S., Hansen, D. J., Petrocchi, A. J., Powell, T. J., & Tuccinardi, T. E. (2000).
Derivation of Temporary Emergency Exposure Limits (TEELs). Journal of Applied Toxicology.
20:11-20.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2010 Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs)
Program. Online http://www.epa.gov/oppt/aegl/pubs/chemlist.htm
Munro, B. H. (1997). Statistical methods for health care research. (3rd ed.) Philadelphia:
Lippincott-Raven Publishers
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). (2008). DOE Handbook. Temporary Emergency Exposure
Limits for Chemicals: Methods and Practice. Available online at
http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2013/06/f1/DOE-HDBK-1046-2008.pdf. Last Accessed
December 31, 2009.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). (2010). PAC Tables and Excel Workbook: AEGLs, ERPGs, and
TEELs for Chemicals of Concern http://www.atlintl.com/DOE/teels/teel/Revision_26.xls Last
accessed December 2010.
http://www.epa.gov/oppt/aegl/pubs/chemlist.htm
http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2013/06/f1/DOE-HDBK-1046-2008.pdf
http://www.atlintl.com/DOE/teels/teel/Revision_26.xls%20Last%20accessed%20December%202010
http://www.atlintl.com/DOE/teels/teel/Revision_26.xls%20Last%20accessed%20December%202010
DOE-HDBK-1046-2016
1
1 INTRODUCTION
2 FRAMEWORK FOR DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF TEEL VALUES
2.1 Planning for Chemical Emergencies
2.2 Exposure Assessment and Risk Assessment
2.3 Need for TEEL Values
2.4 Protective Action Criteria and Risk Management
2.5 Populations at Risk
2.6 Nature and Severity of Toxic Effects
2.7 Comparison of AEGL, ERPG, and TEEL Values
3 TEEL DEVELOPMENT METHODOLOGY
3.1 General Considerations
3.2 Exposure Limit-Based TEEL Values
3.2.1 Sources of Data
3.2.2 Compound Adjustment Factors
3.3 Toxicity-Based TEEL Values
3.3.1 Sources and Types of Data
3.3.2 Toxicity Data Selection
3.3.3 Calculating Concentration Equivalent Values using Route Adjustment Factors
3.3.4 Adjustment Factors used to Convert Concentration-Based and Concentration-Equivalent Values to TEEL Values
3.3.5 Time Scaling
3.4 Developing TEEL Values when Exposure Limits and Toxicity Data are Missing
3.4.1 TEEL Values Derived from PAC Values at Other Levels
3.4.2 TEEL Values Derived for Isomers and Compounds in Multiple Forms
3.4.2.1 Chemicals with Multiple Isomers
3.4.2.2 Metal Compounds and Salts
3.4.3 TEEL Values Developed for Petroleum Products
3.4.4 Points of Departure for Developing TEEL Values
3.4.5 TEEL Values Derived from Health Hazard Ratings
3.4.6 TEEL Values Derived from Structure-Activity Relationships
3.4.7 Adjustments to Final TEEL Values
3.4.7.1 Ratios of Toxicity-Based to Exposure Limit-Based TEEL-2 Values
3.4.7.2 Significant Figures and Rounding Guidelines for Final TEEL Values
3.5 Special Considerations
3.5.1 Particulates Not Otherwise Specified
3.5.2 Simple Asphyxiants
3.5.3 Radioactive Compounds
3.6 TEEL Values for Biological Toxins
3.6.1 Biological Toxins
3.6.2 Exposure Limits used for TEEL Development for Biotoxins
3.6.3 Toxicity-Based Data for Developing TEEL Values for Biotoxins
4 TEEL VALUE DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
4.1 Request for TEEL Value
4.2 Review Panel Assignment
4.3 Specific Instructions for the Review Panel
4.4 The TEEL Advisory Group
5 REVIEW PROCESS AND PUBLICATIONS
5.1 Quality Assurance and Quality Control
5.2 Documentation
5.3 Publication of Protective Action Criteria
Appendix A
Appendix B