Background
The Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) Advisory Committee evaluated Oregon OSHA's regulated substances listed in our air contaminant rules. Lead and Manganese were the first standards selected for revision, because workers in Oregon were exposed to these substances across a wide range of industries. The rulemaking process for Lead was initiated in late 2017, but was suspended to allow rulemaking for Manganese and COVID-19 to be completed. The rulemaking process for Lead was restarted in May 2023.
There are other state-run OSHA programs that are pursuing rulemaking on Lead, including California and Washington. Michigan has adopted changes in their Lead rules. Federal OSHA is considering revising its standards for occupational exposure to Lead based on medical findings that adverse health effects in adults can occur at Blood Lead Levels (BLLs) lower than levels in the current standards.