Work is indispensable for the individual, for society, and for the development of nations.
A number of agents may go beyond the workplace and cause environmental damage. The profession that aims at anticipating, recognizing, evaluating and controlling such workplace agents and factors is occupational hygiene. Agents that occur as airborne contaminants include gases, vapours, fumes, mists and dusts, and these can occur in any combination. This document is intended as a contribution to the dissemination of only one aspect of the comprehensive knowledge and experience required to ensure a healthy workplace and a healthy workforce. As a matter of social justice, significant human suffering related to work is unacceptable.