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).