Our History

Over 45 years ago AIHA realized the worker safety gap created by the lack of clear occupational exposure limit (OEL) guidelines for the workplace. Motivated to fill this need, the Workplace Environmental Exposure Levels Committee was born.
In 2013, the WEEL Committee operated under the auspices of the nonprofit Toxicology Excellence for Risk Assessment (TERA) and, at times, the University of Cincinnati. As of October 2024, the Committee elected to return to management by AIHA. While TERA has opted to retain the WEEL trademark, the experts and processes have returned to AIHA under the new designation AIHA OEL Committee.

About the AIHA OEL Committee

The AIHA OEL Committee (hereafter referred to as the “Committee”) is comprised of volunteer members confirmed by the Executive Committee, as ratified by the Committee membership. The Committee is governed by its Charter and tactical operations are conducted using Administrative Operating Procedures. The Committee functions at the prerogative of the AIHA GF and is accountable to the AIHA GF.

The Committee consists of volunteer experts dedicated to the science of setting occupational exposure levels. The Committee strives for a balance of toxicology and industrial hygiene professionals with a broad base of experience from industry, government, academia, and consulting services. Each member serves on the Committee solely in his/her individual capacity and not as a representative of his/her employer, organization and/or agency.

Membership opportunities are routinely advertised through an Open Call process to both AIHA members and other allied associations whose members and stakeholders possess the skills and experience to contribute to our mission. New members will be considered later this year after the Committee has had time to better establish itself within the AIHA GF. Thank you for your understanding.

What the AIHA OEL Program Does:

There are three primary project areas within the AIHA OEL program:

  1. Education: OEL Boot Camps are held throughout the year in different cities.
  2. OELs: The committee develops OELs in the interest of the public.
  3. Sponsor-based OELs: The committee creates specific values as requested and funded by the federal government and private companies.