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DOL/OSHA RIN: 1218-AB45 Publication ID: Fall 1995 
Title: Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium (Preventing Occupational Illness: Chromium) 
Abstract: On July 19, 1993, the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union (OCAW) and Public Citizen's Health Research Group (HRG) petitioned for an emergency temporary standard to lower the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for hexavalent chromium compounds (CrCL) to 0.5 micrograms of hexavalent chromium per cubic meter of air (ug/ms) as an eight hour, time weighted average (TWA). The current PEL is 100 ug/m3, as an 8-hour time-weighted average. Occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium is known to cause lung cancer, bronchial asthma, nasal septum perforations, skin ulcers, and irritative dermatitis. CrVL includes chromic acid, chromates, lead chromate, and zinc chromate, all measured as Cr03. OSHA thoroughly reviewed the petition. While OSHA agrees that there is clear evidence that exposure to CrVL at the current PEL of 100 ug/m3 can result in significant risk of lung cancer and other CrVL-related illnesses, based on the Agency's analysis, OSHA finds that the currently available data are not sufficiently definitive in certain critical areas to support the need for an ETS, particularly in light of the extremely stringent statutory criteria for issuing and sustaining such action. While OSHA is denying the petition for an ETS, the Agency will issue a Section 6(b) rulemaking action to be responsible to the stakeholders' requests and to protect the 200,000-700,000 workers exposed to hazards of chromium annually. 
Agency: Department of Labor(DOL)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
CFR Citation: 29 CFR 655(b)    29 CFR 657     (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Legal Authority: Not yet determined   
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  07/00/1996    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: Undetermined 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
Agency Contact:
Steven F. Witt
Director, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs
Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3700, FP Building,
Washington, DC 20210
Phone:202 693-2200
Fax:202 693-1671
Email: witt.steven@dol.gov