From the Sandbox to Sandblasting: Regulation of Crystalline Silica

The Occupational Safety Health Administration recently proposed more stringent exposure limits on crystalline silica in ambient air. This new proposed limit attempts to further reduce the risk of disease stemming from contact with the dust of crystalline silica in industries such as sandblasting, stone cutting, construction and auto repair. The author analyzes why these regulations are unnecessary based in part on inadequate scientific data, and discusses how OSHA can better focus its energies in order to control this hazard in the workplace. The Comment also examines the states\u27 concerns and their attempts to regulate this silica in the ambient air, and concludes that until more thorough studies are completed, occupational regulations should not be altered