The guideline describes the aim and significance of the guideline series VDI 2310 "Maximum Immission Values". Definitions of key terms in effect-related immission control are given and the derivation of maximum immission values from exposure-response relationships is explained. Furthermore, the scope of maximum immission values and the legitimation for their derivation is pointed out. Maximum immission values and their explanatory statements are designed to aid the decision making process for deriving legal standards, without having direct regard to legal regulations concerning immission control.