3.1 Chemical Releases

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The U.S. Department of Energy's Comprehensive Emergency Management System, and its supporting Guides require the use of Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs) and Emergency Response Planning Guidelines (ERPGs) as the emergency exposure limits of choice, in order of preference. Because AEGLs and ERPGs exist only for a limited number of chemicals, DOE also commissions the development of Temporary Emergency Exposure Limits (TEELs) so that DOE facilities may conduct Emergency Planning Hazard Assessments and consequence assessments during response for chemicals lacking AEGLs or ERPGs. TEELs are temporary limits for chemicals until AEGLs or ERPGs are developed. Together, AEGLs, ERPGs, and TEELs are referred to as chemical Protective Action Criteria - PACs.

  1. AEGLs represent threshold exposure limits for the general public and are applicable to emergency exposure periods ranging from 10 minutes to 8 hours. AEGL-2 and AEGL-3, and AEGL-1 values as appropriate, will be developed for each of five exposure periods (10 and 30 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours, and 8 hours) and will be distinguished by varying degrees of severity of toxic effects. It is believed that the recommended exposure levels are applicable to the general population including infants and children, and other individuals who may be susceptible. The three AEGLs have been defined as follows:

    • AEGL-1 is the airborne concentration, expressed as parts per million or milligrams per cubic meter (ppm or mg/m3) of a substance above which it is predicted that the general population, including susceptible individuals, could experience notable discomfort, irritation, or certain asymptomatic nonsensory effects. However, the effects are not disabling and are transient and reversible upon cessation of exposure.
    • AEGL-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, could experience irreversible or other serious, long-lasting adverse health effects or an impaired ability to escape.
    • AEGL-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, could experience life-threatening health effects or death.

  2. Modeling tools:

  3. Examples:

  4. Resources: