NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) Comments to DOL (Department of Labor) to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Regarding the Update of the NIOSH Criteria Document on Beryllium by J. F. Finklea, December 10, 1975

摘要

The testimony presented concerns the development of a standard for controlling occupational exposures to beryllium (644017). Attention was given to the entire issue of beryllium's carcinogenic potential. The testimony was a follow-up to earlier communication and supplied information requested. The information included a review of not only new information, but also a gathering of older information to put into more proper perspective the entire issue of the carcinogenic potential of the element. Analysis of the information available indicated that beryllium does pose a carcinogenic risk to man, so that occupational exposures should be reduced to a minimum through engineering and/or personal protective controls. An evaluation was also attached of the currently available sampling and analytical methods. A question was raised over the correctness of results of analysis of volatile beryllium compounds due to possible sampling errors. While it was not felt that this concern at present was serious enough to delay the institution of the standard, NIOSH will provide additional information on the problem as it becomes available.