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Many miners are exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in respirable dust.  These miners can develop lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and various forms of pneumoconiosis, such as silicosis, progressive massive fibrosis, and rapidly progressive pneumoconiosis. These diseases are irreversible and may ultimately be fatal. MSHA’s existing standards limit miners’ exposures to RCS.  MSHA will publish a final rule to address the existing permissible exposure limit of RCS for all miners and to update the existing respiratory protection standards under 30 CFR 56, 57, and 72.

Statement of Need:

Many miners are exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in respirable dust, which can result in the onset of diseases such as silicosis and rapidly progressive pneumoconiosis. These lung diseases are irreversible and may ultimately be fatal. MSHA is examining the existing limit on miners’ exposures to RCS to safeguard the health of America’s miners. Based on MSHA’s experience with existing standards and regulations, as well as OSHA’s RCS standards and NIOSH research, MSHA will develop a rule applicable to metal, nonmetal, and coal operations.

Summary of the Legal Basis:

Sections 101(a), 103(h), and 508 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), as amended (30 U.S.C. 811(a), 813(h), and 957).

Alternatives:

MSHA will examine one or two different levels of miners’ RCS exposure limit and assess the technological and economic feasibility of such option(s).

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

To be determined.

Risks:

Miners face impairment risk of health and functional capacity due to RCS exposures. MSHA will examine the existing RCS standard and determine ways to reduce the health risks associate with RCS exposure.