OSHA Proposes Lower Beryllium Permissible Exposure Limit

WASHINGTON, D.C. –– The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed a lower permissible exposure limit for beryllium in an effort to prevent an estimated 100 deaths and 50 serious illnesses per year.

The national agency announced the proposal on Aug. 6, suggesting that the eight-hour permissible exposure limit for beryllium be reduced from 2.0 micrograms per cubic meter of air to 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter.

“This collaboration of industry and labor presents a historic opportunity to protect the lives and lungs of thousands of beryllium-exposed workers,” Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels …