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DOL/MSHA

RIN: 1219-AB36

Publication ID: Spring 2005

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 greater than 5.0 percent 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: Long-Term Actions
Major: No	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 30 CFR 56 30 CFR 57 30 CFR 58 30 CFR 70 30 CFR 71 30 CFR 72 30 CFR 90
Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 30 USC 813

Legal Deadline: None

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
Request for Information	To Be Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined	Government Levels Affected: None
Federalism: No
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No
Agency Contact: Rebecca J. Smith Acting Director, Office of Standards Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Rm 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone:202 693-9440 Fax:202 693-9441 Email: smith.rebecca@dol.gov