Abstract
This article is a report of work carried out during visits to Australia, Britain, Norway, and Russia for the purpose of becoming acquainted with the various processes of setting occupational exposure standards in those countries. The article reviews the processes by which occupational exposure standards are developed from country to country, examines the role of the occupational hygiene discipline in their development and implementation, and reflects on the complex philosophical and practical issues that surround them and the prospects for international harmonization.