October 5, 2010—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a 60-day public comment period on the assessment of toxicological review of hexavalent chromium.
Hexavalent chromium (Cr6) is a metal used in the repair industry for welding and sanding of parts. It is toxic and a carcinogen when inhaled. The EPA is deciding whether to adopt a nationwide standard such as the one California has implemented, according to an Automotive Service Association (ASA) press release_notes.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued limits for workplace exposure to Cr6 in 2006, but the metal is still considered to pose a health risk at low exposure rates. ASA has joined the conversation to explain the economic risk involved with further limiting Cr6 in repair shops.
An EPA public listening session will be held on Nov. 20. For more information, go to TakingTheHill.com.