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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

NIOSH testimony to DOL on the proposed standard for occupational exposure to inorganic arsenic by Edward J. Baier, April 8, 1975

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6318926
The testimony before the U.S. Department of Labor concerned carcinogenic effects of occupational exposure to inorganic arsenic. NIOSH has reviewed all the independent studies available and, taken together, it appears that it is undeniable that there have been carcinogenic effects which must be attributed to this metal. This has prompted a reevaluation of earlier recommendations and the OSHA proposal which resulted from these recommendations. NIOSH now concludes that a 24 hour time weighted average consisting of excursions above and below the mean of 2.0 micrograms per cubic meter of air may be excessive. A recent study indicated no excess cancer mortality among orchardists exposed to lead-arsenate spray, but these results do not prove consistent with findings from independent data sources investigated by NIOSH. Because of the unique problems of exposure and acute toxicity associated with arsine, its inclusion in the NIOSH recommended standard poses special problems in that some specific work practices are needed as is a sampling method. NIOSH has cosponsored an exchange of ideas at a National Conference on Health Effects of Occupational Lead and Arsenic Exposure. The evidence currently available points to the conclusion that all inorganic compounds of arsenic must be regarded as occupational carcinogens.
Research Organization:
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
OSTI ID:
6318926
Report Number(s):
PB-91-118984/XAB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English