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Silicosis: Respirable Quartz Exposures

Respirable quartz: Geometric mean exposures by major industry division, MSHA and OSHA samples, 1979–2003

PEL - permissible exposure limitREL - recommended exposure limitmg/m3 - milligrams per cubic meter MSHA - Mine Safety and Health AdministrationOSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Note: Before March 1, 1989 and after March 22, 1993, the OSHA PEL is [(10 mg/m3) / (% quartz + 2)], for respirable dust containing at least 1 percent quartz. From March 1, 1989 to March 22, 1993, the OSHA PEL was 0.1 mg/m3 for respirable quartz. For metal/nonmetal mining, the MSHA PEL is [(10 mg/m3) / (% quartz+2)] for respirable dust containing at least 1 percent quartz. See appendices for source description, methods, and agents.

Source: MSHA metal/nonmetal data. OSHA Integrated Management Information System.

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Page last modified: June 23, 2008
Page last reviewed: June 23, 2008
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)