NIOSH Extends Comment Period on Hexavalent Chromium Document
Responding to a request to allow the public more time to gather and submit information in an ongoing public review of occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has extended the previous comment deadline of Jan. 31, 2009, by 60 days to March 31, 2009. NIOSH and CDC have been conducting a public review and accepting written comments pertaining to the draft document titled "NIOSH Criteria Document Update: Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium" since Oct. 15, 2008.
The document provides a review of the available literature and an update of NIOSH policies on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds including 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;
- 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.
According to NIOSH, the purpose of the public review of the draft document is to obtain public comments to ensure that:
(1) this hazard identification is an accurate reflection of the available scientific studies;
(2) the NIOSH recommendations for protecting workers from occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds are appropriate and justified, and
(3) NIOSH has a transparent and scientific basis for its revised Recommended Exposure Limit for hexavalent chromium compounds.
While the document does not have the force and effect of law, 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.
Instructions for submitting comments, including an online form for those submitting via the Internet, are available at www.cdc.gov/niosh/review/public/144/.