In the occupational setting, antagonistic effects are not used as a basis for increasing exposure limits. To prevent overexposure, the sum of the standardized exposures must not exceed 1. The assessment of worker exposure must be comprehensive to ensure that total exposure is not underestimated. In addition, the interaction of these materials and the duration of exposure must be accounted for. Only when all factors are considered and adjusted are workers protected.
Independent substances exert their own toxicity without influence or interference from one another.
Xylene and Toluene Antagonistic Toxicity of one chemical is reduced by exposure to another. Two materials act together to produce toxicity greater than that produced by either material if administered separately. References American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. Occupational Exposure Limits for Novel Work Schedules.