In September of 2008 NIOSH Published a NIOSH Criteria Document Update involving Hexavalent Chromium.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is conducting a public review of the NIOSH draft document "NIOSH Criteria Document Update: Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium." This draft NIOSH 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:

1. Critical animal, human, and in vitro studies on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium.
2. Relevant quantitative risk assessments about occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium.
3. Appropriate methods for sampling and analysis of hexavalent chromium compounds in the workplace.
4. Basis for the NIOSH revised Recommended Exposure Limit for hexavalent chromium compounds
5. Other NIOSH recommendations for protecting workers from occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium.

This guidance document does not have the force and effect of law.

The purpose of the public review of the draft document and public meeting 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.
3. 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.

Please see http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/review/public/144/ and be sure to make your comments by March 31, 2009 or feel free to contact Certified Environmental Management, Ltd., laboratory director, Mr. Bruce Fast, or senior industrial hygiene analyst, Ms. Carolyn Robinson, at 800.252.2236 to discuss this docket in detail.

Most importantly CEM want all clients to know that the OSHA ID-215, Version 2 Method utilized at our AIHA laboratory has been determined to be the most accurate method and technology available to date. CEM is proud of the advisement that we have provided through our technical support hotline at 800.252.2236.