Proposed Crystalline Silica Rule Could Save Lives and Prevent New Cases of Silicosis

Last month, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed a new rule for occupational exposure to Silica.  This proposed rule is expected to prevent thousands of deaths from silicosis as well as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease other respiratory diseases, and kidney disease in America’s workers.  The new rule would update 40-year-old permissible exposure limits (PELs) for crystalline silica in general industry, construction and shipyards.
 
OSHA states that the stricter PELs could result in saving nearly 700 lives per year and prevent 1,600 new cases of silicosis annually. According to an OSHA Fact Sheet on crystalline silica, “Silica exposure remains a serious threat to nearly 2 million U.S. workers, including more than 100,000 workers in high risk jobs such as abrasive blasting, foundry work, stonecutting, rock drilling, quarry work and tunneling. The seriousness of the health hazards associated with silica exposure is demonstrated by the fatalities and disabling illnesses that continue to occur in sandblasters and rock drillers. Breathing crystalline silica dust can cause silicosis, which in severe cases can be disabling, or even fatal. The respirable silica dust enters the lungs and causes the formation of scar tissue, thus reducing the lungs’ ability to take in oxygen. There is no cure for silicosis. Since silicosis affects lung function, it makes one more susceptible to lung infections like tuberculosis.”
 
One company that has been at the frontline in helping to protect workers from respirable crystalline silica is Clark Seif Clark.  “CSC’s occupational hygiene professionals have years of experience in testing for exposure to crystalline silica and other workplace related hazards,” stated Marie Tullai, Certified Industrial Hygienist and Technical Director for Clark Seif Clark.  “The only way to determine if controls or personal protective equipment are effective in reducing exposure to silica is to conduct a personal exposure assessment and area monitoring.  Our experts are watching the proposed rule and are ready to provide testing services to the new PEL when it is incorporated into new regulations.
 
To learn more about crystalline silica or other occupational health and safety issues, please visit http://www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118. 
 
About Clark Seif Clark
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both public and private sectors address environmental, IAQ, and health and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.

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