OSHA-Regulated Hazardous Chemicals — Permissible Exposure Limits 2026

Top 30 OSHA-regulated hazardous chemicals with Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL, 8-hour time-weighted average), primary health effects, and the OSHA standard reference (e.g. 1910.1028 for benzene). Covers regulated carcinogens (asbestos, benzene, vinyl chloride, ethylene oxide, chromium VI, cadmium, beryllium, 1,3-butadiene, formaldehyde, methylene chloride), heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic), respiratory hazards (silica), industrial chemicals (hydrofluoric acid, chlorine, ammonia, phosgene), and common solvents (toluene, xylene, n-hexane). Useful for SDS authoring, industrial hygiene exposure assessment, exposure-control planning, respirator selection per OSHA 1910.134 cartridge guidance, and medical surveillance program design. Note: OSHA PELs are largely unchanged since 1971 and are generally less protective than ACGIH TLVs or NIOSH RELs. Many employers adopt the lower of the three as internal standards. Published as part of the SmartQHSE Open HSE Data collection.