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DOL/MSHA | RIN: 1219-AB36 | Publication ID: Spring 2020 |
Title: Respirable Crystalline Silica (Quartz) | |
Abstract:
Metal and nonmetal miners and coal miners exposed to quartz in respirable dust can develop lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and various forms on pneumoconiosis, such as silicosis, coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, progressive massive fibrosis, and rapidly progressive pneumoconiosis. These lung diseases are irreversible and may ultimately be fatal. MSHA’s existing standards limit miners’ exposures to quartz in respirable dust. MSHA’s metal and nonmetal mine standards are based on the 1973 American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values formula: 10 mg/m3 divided by the percentage of silica plus 2. MSHA’s existing coal mine standards evaluate miners’ exposure to quartz in relation to the respirable dust standard. When respirable coal mine dust samples are analyzed for quartz and exceed 0.1 mg/m3 (100 micrograms per cubic meter of air or µg/m3), the Agency reduces the applicable respirable dust standard for sections of the mine represented by the sample data. MSHA will publish a proposed rule to address miners' exposure to respirable quartz. |
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Agency: Department of Labor(DOL) | Priority: Other Significant |
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda | Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage |
Major: No | Unfunded Mandates: No |
EO 13771 Designation: Regulatory | |
CFR Citation: 30 CFR 56 30 CFR 57 30 CFR 70 30 CFR 71 30 CFR 72 30 CFR 90 | |
Legal Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811 |
Legal Deadline:
None |
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Timetable:
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined | Government Levels Affected: Local, State |
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions | Federalism: No |
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No | |
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No | |
Agency Contact: Roslyn B. Fontaine Deputy Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration 201 12th Street S, Suite 401, Arlington, VA 22202 Phone:202 693-9440 Fax:202 693-9441 Email: fontaine.roslyn@dol.gov |