The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration’s (MSHA) new final rule sets limits for asbestos exposure in mining operations to match the OSHA standard used in other industries. The prior rule for mining operations was 20 times higher. While asbestos is no longer commercially mined in the U.S., it is still a contaminant in some mining operations. In fact, the need for tighter standards was raised by the extremely high rate of disease and death among miners at W.R. Grace’s vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana. See related story. In response to the Libby situation, the U.S. Department of Labor advised that the Mine Safety and Health Administration should revisit the standard for asbestos exposure in mines. Celeste Monforton, public health researcher at George Washington University and former MSHA staff person, said the new limit is an improvement, but it’s not enough. Asbestos exposure should be limited even more, and better air monitoring is needed in mining operations to be sure the standards are met.
For the full story, go to the Herald-Dispatch.
