NIOSH Highlights Silica Research

During an OSHA public hearing on the proposed rule for establishing new permissible exposure limits for respirable crystalline silica, NIOSH researchers talked about health effects of exposure to respirable crystalline silica and the agency's work to develop recommendations and controls for preventing worker exposures. Dr. Paul Schulte, director of NIOSH’s Education and Information Division, led NIOSH panel.

In 1974, NIOSH published the “Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica,” recommending that the exposure limit be reduced to 50 μg/m3, the level indicated in OSHA’s proposed rule. Since the, NIOSH researchers has studied the use of engineering control technology in areas such as grinding concrete, sandblasting, rock drilling, hydraulic fracturing (fracking), cutting fiber cement siding, tuck pointing and asphalt milling. Occupational exposures to respirable crystalline silica are related to long-lasting adverse health effects such as silicosis, lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), airways diseases, autoimmune disorders, chronic renal disease, and other adverse health effects. These adverse effects are preventable, NIOSH says.

"As NIOSH research has shown, the proposed OSHA standard is measurable by techniques that are valid, reproducible, attainable with existing technologies, and available to industry and government agencies," the agency concludes.

OSHA has created and posted its Deadly Dust video, which you can view below, and ASSE has also weighed in on the proposed rulemaking.