For decades, Silica has accounted for numerous fatalities and chronic illness. The original rule on Silica was established in 1971 and despite the science and years of data pointing to flaws in the original PEL's (personal exposure limits), the rule has not budged. In fact, NIOSH has been stating the original rule has been out of sync with the science since 1974 studies proved as much.
However, now in 2016, OSHA finally passed their final rule on what has been a very political subject. One that the agency estimates will save more than 600 lives and prevent more than 900 cases of silicosis every, single year. In order to make this happen, they have lowered the PEL to half the previous limit for general industry and 5 times lower than the previous limit for construction (50 micro grams per cubic meter of air averaged during an 8-hour shift).
However, now in 2016, OSHA finally passed their final rule on what has been a very political subject. One that the agency estimates will save more than 600 lives and prevent more than 900 cases of silicosis every, single year. In order to make this happen, they have lowered the PEL to half the previous limit for general industry and 5 times lower than the previous limit for construction (50 micro grams per cubic meter of air averaged during an 8-hour shift).
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