Work-Related Lung Disease (WoRLD) Surveillance System

Respirable quartz: Geometric mean exposures and percent exceeding designated occupational exposure limits by major industry division, MSHA and OSHA samples, 1979–1999

SIC - Standard Industrial ClassificationPEL - permissible exposure limitREL - recommended exposure limit

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. The NIOSH REL is 0.05 mg/m3. See appendices for source description, methods, and agents.

Source:  Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) metal/nonmetal mine data. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Integrated Management Information System.

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