NIOSH to Seek Input on Hexavalent Chromium Draft Guidance Document
NIOSH is conducting a public review of its draft document, "NIOSH Criteria Document Update: Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium," which provides a review of the available literature and an update of the agency's policies on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds. The draft document includes an assessment of:
- Critical animal, human, and in vitro studies on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium;
- Relevant quantitative risk assessments about occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium;
- Appropriate methods for sampling and analysis of hexavalent chromium compounds in the workplace;
- The basis for the NIOSH revised Recommended Exposure Limit for hexavalent chromium compounds; and
- Other NIOSH recommendations for protecting workers from occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium.
The purpose of the public review of this draft document and public meeting--set for Jan. 22, 2009, in Cincinnati--is to obtain public comments to ensure that:
- This hazard identification is an accurate reflection of the available scientific studies;
- The NIOSH recommendations for protecting workers from occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds are appropriate and justified, and
- NIOSH has a transparent and scientific basis for its revised Recommended Exposure Limit for hexavalent chromium compounds.
The overall goal of the review is to enhance the quality and credibility of agency recommendations by ensuring that the scientific and technical work underlying these recommendations receives appropriate review by independent scientific and technical experts, NIOSH says. The agency will accept written comments on the document from Oct. 15, 2008, through Jan. 31, 2009. More information and the draft document is available at www.cdc.gov/niosh/review/public/144.