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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:
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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 |