Removal of notations for carcinogens in the Workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants

Notations for carcinogens have not been included in the Workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants (WEL list).

A carcinogen is something that can cause cancer or is suspected of causing cancer. 

Carcinogenicity notations were included in the Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants, which will be replaced by the WEL list from 1 December 2026. These notations are not included in the WEL list because the carcinogenicity information does not influence or impact exposure levels for the airborne contaminants in the workplace. Information on carcinogenicity, among other health evidence, was used to determine the WEL for chemicals that may be carcinogens. 

The Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) includes classification for carcinogens. To find out if the airborne contaminant(s) you work with or generate in the workplace may cause cancer, you should refer to the Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS), which includes GHS classification information for many chemicals, or the safety data sheet (SDS) for the airborne contaminant.  

Related information

• Workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants (WEL list)
• Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants (WES list)
• Airborne contaminants
• Hazardous Chemical Information System
• Safety data sheet
• Resources in this collection