What are the workplace exposure limits (WELs) for rubber fumes and dust in the UK?

In the UK, Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) are set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under EH40/2005. For rubber processing:

• Rubber fume (from hot rubber processing):
  – WEL: 0.6 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA)

• Rubber process dust (mainly from natural rubber latex or processing operations):
  – WEL: 6 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA) for inhalable dust
  – WEL: 2.4 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA) for respirable dust

These limits are there to protect workers from long-term respiratory issues and skin or eye irritation. If testing shows exposure above these levels, employers are legally required to take action — usually through better ventilation, local exhaust systems, or changes to the work process.