OSHA proposes to amend its existing regulation for occupational exposure to cadmium in the general, construction, agriculture and maritime industries. Information gathered in this rulemaking demonstrates that employees chronically exposed to levels of cadmium well below the permissible exposure limits are at increased risk of developing kidney dysfunction and cancer. This notice proposes two 8- hour time-weighted average permissible exposure limits (TWA PEL) of 5 and 1 micrograms of cadmium per cubic meter of air as alternatives for all cadmium compounds. OSHA also proposes an excursion limit (EL), measured over a fifteen minute period for all cadmium compounds, of five times the TWA PEL. For a TWA PEL of 5 ug/m(3) the EL is 25 ug/m(3). For a TWA PEL of 1 ug/m(3) the EL is 5 ug/m(3). Also proposed is an action level (TWA) of 2.5 ug/m(3) for a TWA PEL of 5 ug/m(3) and an action level of 0.5 ug/m(3) for a TWA PEL of 1 ug/m(3). Other provisions for employee protection are also proposed. The informal hearing will begin on 6/5/90 in Washington, DC, and continue on 7/17/90 in Denver. Postmark deadline for written comments on the proposed standard is 4/27/90, and for notices of intent to appear, 4/4/90. For information call Tom Hall 523-8615 or James Foster 523-8151.