Crystalline silica exposure limit and agency rulemaking plans

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

August 29, 1996

Fernando M. Trevino, Ph.D., MPH
Executive Director
American Public Health Association
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Dr. Trevino:

Thank you for your letter of June 23, requesting that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) adopt the Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for crystalline silica from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). OSHA recognizes the severe health hazards associated with over exposure to crystalline silica and continues to take steps to reduce the incidence of silicosis.

OSHA's priority planning process recognized crystalline silica as one of several chemical substances for promulgation as a final standard under rulemaking. When other rules, such as methylene chloride and butadiene, are completed and drop off our regulatory agenda, they will be replaced with hazards identified by the priority planning process. During the rulemaking procedures, OSHA will review the available studies and other recommended exposure limits including the NIOSH RELs and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists threshold limit values (TLVs). The proposal of the rulemaking will be available for public comment once opened.

In the interim, until OSHA begins rulemaking on crystalline silica, we have implemented a special emphasis program for crystalline silica and silicosis (enclosed). The special emphasis program targets our agency resources to industries and facilities where the hazard of silicosis exists. The program will affect all industries including construction, maritime, and general industry.

A copy of your letter and our response has been forwarded to the Directorate of Health Standards Programs for their use and information. If you have any further questions or we can be of any further assistance please contact the Office of Health Compliance at (202) 219-8036.

Sincerely,
Joseph A. Dear
Assistant Secretary

Enclosure

[Requester letter reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]