History of American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 22, 2025

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) is a professional association based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Its primary goal is to promote worker protection by offering objective, scientific data to occupational and environmental health experts. ACGIH focuses on advancing industrial hygiene practices and provides resources for professionals in related fields, contributing to the improvement of workplace safety and health standards.

June 27, 1938: NCGIH Convened

On June 27, 1938, the National Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (NCGIH) convened in Washington, D.C. The original constitution limited full membership to two representatives from each governmental industrial hygiene agency. Associate membership was available to other professional personnel, and affiliated membership to governmental industrial hygiene personnel of other countries.

1941: TLV-CS Committee Established

In 1941, the Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances (TLV-CS) Committee was established to investigate, recommend, and annually review exposure limits for chemical substances.

1944: Conference Membership Peak

In 1944, the Conference membership peaked at 281 individuals.

1944: TLV-CS Committee Becomes a Standing Committee

In 1944, the Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances (TLV-CS) Committee became a standing committee.

1946: Conference Membership Declined

In 1946, the Conference membership declined to 235 as many individuals were leaving governmental employment after World War II. This transition to a peacetime economy required the Conference to revise its constitution and make major changes to its organizational structure.

1946: Constitution Revisions and Name Change

In 1946, the constitution was revised, abandoning the concept of limiting full membership to only two individuals from each governmental industrial hygiene agency and granting full membership to governmental industrial hygiene personnel from foreign countries. The organization also changed its name to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) in 1946.

1956: Introduction of the Term "Threshold Limit Values (TLV)"

The term "Threshold Limit Values (TLV)" was introduced in 1956.

1960: Membership Growth

By 1960, ACGIH membership had grown to 511 members, including 54 from other countries.

1962: First TLVs and BEIs Book Published

The first list of Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices (the TLVs and BEIs book) was published in 1962.

1977: Membership Growth

By 1977, ACGIH membership had reached 1,800, with 166 members from outside the United States.

1986: Applied Industrial Hygiene Journal

In 1986, ACGIH published Applied Industrial Hygiene journal.

1989: Applied Industrial Hygiene Journal

In 1989, the Applied Industrial Hygiene journal was published.

1990: Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene Journal

In 1990, the Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene journal was published.

2003: Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene Journal

In 2003, the Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene journal was published until ACGIH and AIHA began publishing a joint journal.

2003: Worldwide Outreach Program Established

In 2003, the YIHWAG Family Foundation awarded FOHS a substantial grant, leading to the establishment of the Worldwide Outreach Program to support occupational health and safety in developing countries.

2006: World Health Organization Collaborating Centers Work Plan

In 2006, the World Health Organization Collaborating Centers for Occupational Health’s 2006-2010 Work Plan was mentioned. Qualifying organizations can apply for program grants ranging from $1,000 - $2,000.

2008: Sustainable TLV/BEI Fund Created

In 2008, FOHS created the Sustainable TLV/BEI Fund to ensure the continued existence of ACGIH® TLVs and BEIs.

2010: World Health Organization Collaborating Centers Work Plan

In 2010, the World Health Organization Collaborating Centers for Occupational Health’s 2006-2010 Work Plan was mentioned. Qualifying organizations can apply for program grants ranging from $1,000 - $2,000.

2016: Scientific Information Dissemination

In 2016, scientific information was provided to members and others in the industry through journals, conferences, seminars, and publications, including the TLVs and BEIs book.