OSHA considers options regarding standard for silica exposure.

In June's Federal Register, OSHA published the Semi Annual Regulatory Agenda, which continues to list exposure to crystalline silica as a major problem and suggests a new exposure limit as part of a new role is likely. OSHA states the current permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 0.1 mg/[m.sup.3] is obsolete and notes recommendations from the AFL-CIO to lower the current PEL by 50%.

The agenda discusses the "seriousness of the health hazards associated with silica exposure," emphasizing silicosis and the International Agency for Research on Cancer designation of crystalline silica as a known human carcinogen.

The notice states that between 1990 and 1996, 200 300 silicosis-related deaths per year are known to have occurred, with many more cases likely to have gone undetected. And, it reiterates OSHA's determination that rulemaking is needed to substantially reduce the risk for exposed workers.

The OSHA Regulatory Agenda does acknowledge that many workers continue to be exposed to levels of silica above the current PEL. However, it neglects to make the connection that many silica-related problems could be eliminated if the current PEL were adhered to strictly. OSHA is evaluating two options for the scope of the rulemaking:

* proposing comprehensive standards for general industry, construction and the maritime sector;

* focusing on more specific issues, such as modernizing the construction and maritime PEts or standardizing sampling and analytical methods to ensure that employers and employees are receiving reliable data on employee exposures.

The timetable for further action shows a proposed standard could be published next year.