Maximum allowable concentration
- Slovak term: Slovenský termín
- Maximum concentration of a pollutant in the air or some consumed product that will ensure that the dose of the pollutant received by the consumer will still be below the maximum allowable dose (dose that produces some pathology) (United Nations 1992).
Explanation
Maximum acceptable concentrations (MACs) have been established for certain substances that are known or suspected to cause adverse effects on health. They have been derived to safeguard health on the basis of lifelong consumption (Health Canada).
Example
To the extent possible, the use of drinking water for all usual domestic purposes, including personal hygiene, has been considered in the derivation of the guidelines for MAC of substances. However, water of higher quality may be required for some special purposes, including renal dialysis. Drinking water that continually contains a substance at levels greater than the MAC will contribute significantly to consumers' exposure to this substance and may, in some instances, be capable of inducing deleterious effects on health. However, short-term excursions about the MAC do no necessarily mean that the water constitutes an undue risk to health. The amount by which, and the period for which, the MAC can be exceeded without posing a health risk must be assessed by taking into account the toxicity of the substance involved. When the MAC for a contaminant is exceeded, however, the minimum action required is resampling. If the MAC continues to be exceeded, the authorities for public health should be consulted concerning appropriate corrective action.
References
- United Nations (1992) Terminology Bulletin No 344 on Environment and Development
- Health Canada (1999) Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines Development Process. Annex 2: Approach to the derivation of drinking water guidelines
