Federal Government Policy and Business

New rule limiting silica dust exposure makes business gag

The Washington Post (online registration required): Reaction to a controversial new Obama administration regulation designed to protect workers from toxic dust particles demonstrates the divide that often develops between government and business, and a focus on health or a focus on cost.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says the rule limiting exposure to the dust, known as respirable crystalline silica, annually will save more than 600 lives and prevent more than 900 new cases of incurable silicosis, a lung disease. Exposure also can lead to lung cancer, pulmonary disease and kidney ailments. OSHA expects the regulation, announced Thursday, eventually will result in net benefits worth $7.7 billion every year.

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