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US EPA offers chance to speak out against hexavalent chromium
(07.10.2010)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced a 60-day public comment period and a public listening session for the draft human health assessment of a toxicological review of hexavalent chromium. The question for the EPA is whether to adopt a strict risk measure as California did or to adhere more to a less-stringent standard.
Background: Hexavalent chromium (Cr6), a metal used in
many industries - including automotive service and repair due to
welding, sanding and grinding of some motor vehicle parts - can
be toxic and is considered to be a carcinogen when inhaled. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
issued standards in 2006 that limited workplace exposure to
hexavalent chromium. It has been determined by OSHA that average
levels of the substance that workers are exposed to today places
them at significant health risks. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) expressed
concern about the lowering of the permissible level because of
the lack of data as to the potential economic impact the lower
level will have on collision members. Collision shop employees
use many refinishing products in their shops as well as sand,
grind and weld vehicle parts. Each of these procedures presents
the opportunity for hexavalent chromium to be present. Public listening session:The listening session will be held on November 18, 2010, during the public comment period for this draft assessment. The purpose of the listening session is to allow all interested parties to present scientific and technical comments on draft IRIS health assessments to EPA and other interested parties attending the listening session. EPA welcomes the comments that will be provided to the Agency by the listening session participants. The comments will be considered by the Agency as it revises the draft assessment after the independent external peer review. To view full text of the EPA's notice of public comment period and listening session in the Federal Register, visit ASA's legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.  Related EVISA Resources Link Database: Toxicity
of hexavalent chromium (chromate) Link Database: Industrial Use of chromate Link Database: Occupational exposure of hexavalent chromium Link Database: Legislation for hexavalent chromium at the workplace Related EVISA News September 15, 2010: EPA accuses chromium industry of withholding lung cancer study May 25, 2010: New OSHA Hexavalent Chromium Requirement February 17, 2010: Hexavalent Chromium: OSHA deadline for engineering controls
approaching May 28, 2009: Hexavalent chromium rule added to revised OSHA Shipyard Industry
Document May 17, 2007: Hexavalent Chromium in Drinking Water Causes Cancer in Lab Animals
June 8, 2006: Scientific journal adds fuel to ongoing chromium debate February 6, 2008: OSHA Issues Enforcement Procedures Directive for Hex Chrome
Standards April 12, 2007: OSHA Agrees to Monitor Worker Exposure to Hexavalent
Chromium-Containing Cement October 4, 2006: OSHA Issues Hexavalent Chromium Guidance for Small Businesses February 28, 2006: OSHA Issues Final Standard on Hexavalent Chromiumlast time modified: October 7, 2010
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