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DOL/OSHA

RIN: 1218-AB76

Publication ID: Spring 1999

Title: Occupational Exposure to Beryllium
Abstract: Beryllium is a lightweight metal that is used for nuclear weapons, for atomic energy, and for metal alloys such as beryllium-copper and beryllium-aluminum. The metal alloys are used in 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; and a 25 ug/m3 maximum peak exposure never to be exceeded. In 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 carcinogen in humans. (Category I) In 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 now 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 CBD 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 percent 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 percent and 15 percent 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 relocation of beryllium-sensitized workers. The DOE 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: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Long-Term Actions
Major: Undetermined	Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910
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: 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