August 30th, 2005

The MHSA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) is to reduce the exposure levels of miners to asbestos. A new ruling will reduce the PEL (permissible exposure limit) by 20 times. The current limit is two fibers per cubic centimeter for an 8-hour work shift. This is to reduce to 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter.

David G. Dye, deputy assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health, stated, "This lowered PEL would help improve the health of American miners. We are fully committed to fulfilling our mission of protecting the health and safety of America's miners."

The rule will affect various workers, such as non-metal and metal mine workers, and coal miners. Asbestos is a substance that is a known carcinogen and can cause a number of health problems in addition to an asbestos related cancer known as mesothelioma.

Public hearings about the new rule have already been scheduled, and a website is available for comments about the new rules.