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DOL/OSHA RIN: 1218-AB76 Publication ID: Spring 1998 
Title: ●Occupational Exposure to Beryllium 
Abstract: Beryllium is a lightweight metal that is used for nuclear weapons, for atomic energy, for metal alloys such as beryllium-copper and beryllium-aluminum. The metal alloys are found in sectors for dental appliances, golf clubs, non-sparking tools, wheel chairs, etc. Beryllium is also used in the ceramics industry. The current permissible exposure limits for beryllium are: an 8-hour TWA of 2 ug/m3; a 5 ug/m3 ceiling concentration not to be exceeded over a 30 minute period; a 25 ug/m3 maximum peak exposure never to be exceeded. ^PIn 1977, OSHA proposed to reduce the 8-hour TWA exposure to beryllium from 2 ug/m3 to 1 ug/m3 based on evidence that beryllium caused lung cancer in exposed workers. A hearing followed the proposal, but a final standard was never published. Since the previous OSHA hearing, NIOSH has updated its studies on beryllium exposed workers. The study results again demonstrate a significant excess of lung cancer among exposed workers. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), has concluded that beryllium is a lung carcinogen to humans. ^PIn addition to lung cancer, a new OSHA beryllium standard would address chronic beryllium disease (CBD), a fatal disease involving lung fibrosis and other organ toxicity. Based on several recent studies involving workers employed in the beryllium ceramics industry, in beryllium production, and in Department of Energy facilities, there is no evidence that very low level beryllium exposure (less than 0.5 ug/m3) may cause CBD. A recent (1997) study from Japan concludes that the level necessary to protect workers from developing CDB cannot exceed 0.01 ug/m3. A new medical surveillance tool is now available that allows for the early detection of workers with CBD prior to any signs of clinical disease or symptoms. Beryllium-sensitized workers convert to CBD at an estimated rate of about 10% per year. This "beryllium sensitization" test is being used in clinical studies of current and past exposed workers. Recent study results indicate that between 5% and 15% of beryllium- exposed workers are sensitized and will eventually develop CBD. In 1997, DOE issued interim guidelines to protect beryllium- exposed workers at all DOE facilities. The guidelines include provisions for exposure monitoring, medical surveillance and re-location of beryllium-sensitized workers. ^PThese guidelines, however, do not affect workers outside DOE facilities. Thus, OSHA needs to initiate rulemaking to protect beryllium-exposed workers from contracting CBD and lung cancer. 
Agency: Department of Labor(DOL)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Long-Term Actions 
Major: Undetermined  Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined 
CFR Citation: Not yet determined     (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)    29 USC 657   
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  To Be Determined    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined  Government Levels Affected: Undetermined 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
Agency Contact: