UPDATE ON FUTURE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES THAT WILL IMPACT YOUR INDUSTRY FOR THE PEI ENVIRONMENTAL, SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE

The Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) has proposed new limits occupational exposure to hexavalent chrome (Cr (+6)) in dusts, mists and fumes. The current permissible exposure limit (PEL) standard, 52 micrograms per cubic meter could be reduced to 1 microgram per cubic meter with an activation level of 0.5 micrograms per cubic meter. These proposed levels will impact porcelain enamel plants and suppliers of materials. The levels proposed are based on a "conservative model" with industry proposing 10 to 25 micrograms per cubic meter and unions suggesting less than 0.25 micrograms per cubic meter. The new lower levels are considered technically difficult to measure. Final rules after comments are to be published in January 2006 if there are no delays. Additional metals that may be impacted in the next few years are nickel and cobalt in drinking water as well as lead and other metals under the "World Summit on Sustainable Development" which the European Union and the EPA are key participants. The goal is to limit the use of toxic metals in materials and products and encourage recycling to reduce disposal issues. This will certainly impact the enameling industry and stainless steel products for cooking in the years ahead.