As reported, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has promulgated a final rule on the exposure of industrial workers to hexavalent chromium Cr(VI). The new standard applies to industries with processes or operations emitting airborne Cr(VI) into the workplace. The standard(5 ug/cu. meter) is five times less stringent than proposed, but 10 times more stringent than the previous standard.
 
Deadlines and exceptions
 
No one is pleased. Both environmental and industry groups have filed lawsuits challenging the rule. If the challenges are successful the rule could be remanded back to the agency for reconsideration ...