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DOL/MSHA RIN: 1219-AB36 Publication ID: Fall 2004 
Title: Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard 
Abstract: Current standards limit exposures to quartz (crystalline silica) in respirable dust. The coal mining industry standard is based on the formula 10mg/m3 divided by the percentage of quartz where the quartz percent is 5.0 percent or greater calculated as an MRE equivalent concentration. The metal and nonmetal mining industry standard is based on the 1973 American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values formula: 10 mg/m3 divided by the percentage of quartz plus 2. Overexposure to crystalline silica can result in some miners developing silicosis which may ultimately be fatal. Both formulas are designed to maintain exposures to 0.1 mg/m3 (100 ug) of silica. The Secretary of Labor's Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Pneumoconiosis Among Coal Mine Workers made several recommendations related to reducing exposure to silica. NIOSH and ACGIH recommend a 50ug/ m3 exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica. MSHA is considering several options to reduce miners' exposure to crystalline silica. 
Agency: Department of Labor(DOL)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Prerule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 30 CFR 70    30 CFR 71    30 CFR 90    30 CFR 72    30 CFR 58    ...     (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Legal Authority: 30 USC 811    30 USC 813   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Request for Information  12/00/2004    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined  Government Levels Affected: None 
Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
Agency Contact:
Marvin W. Nichols Jr.
Director, Office of Standards
Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350,
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone:202 693-9440
Fax:202 693-9441
Email: nichols-marvin@dol.gov