Clarification of OSHA's risk assessment and approach for setting the asbestos PEL.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

July 23, 1999

William L. Dyson, Ph.D., CIH
Workplace Hygiene
P.O. Box 49176
Greensboro, NC 27419-9176

Dear Dr. Dyson:

This is in response to your June 16, 1999, letter to Mary Carol Lewis, Associate Assistant Secretary for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), regarding OSHA's permissible exposure limits (PEL) for asbestos. In your letter, you request that OSHA clarify its May 13, 1999, interpretation of the asbestos PEL and respond to several questions that you have posed.