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Work-Related Lung Disease Surveillance System (eWoRLD)

Silicosis: Respirable Quartz Exposures (Archive)

Respirable quartz: Geometric mean exposures by major industry division, MSHA and OSHA samples, 1979-1999
Figure showing Respirable quartz: Geometric mean exposures by major industry division, MSHA and OSHA samples, 1979-1999

PEL - permissible exposure limitREL - recommended exposure limitmg/m3 - milligrams per cubic meter

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

Reference Number: 2002F03-06b

Date Posted: May 2003

Most Recent Version:
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