Which regulatory body establishes permissible exposure limits for asbestos?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the regulatory body responsible for establishing permissible exposure limits (PELs) for asbestos in the workplace. OSHA sets these limits to protect workers from the harmful effects of asbestos exposure, which has been linked to serious health issues such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

OSHA's regulations specifically define the maximum allowable concentration of asbestos fibers in the air that workers can be exposed to during their work shifts. This is crucial for ensuring a safe working environment, particularly in industries where asbestos exposure is common. While other agencies, like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), focus on environmental regulations concerning asbestos and its impact on public health, it is OSHA that enforces safety standards specifically aimed at protecting employees from occupational hazards. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducts research and makes recommendations but does not enforce regulations, and the Department of Labor (DOL) oversees broader labor issues without directly setting exposure limits for specific hazardous materials like asbestos.