[CPEO-MEF] OSHA inspectors and beryllium

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

OSHA Slow to Act on Beryllium Exposure, Critic Says

By Cindy Skrzycki
Washington Post
February 1, 2005

For several years, Adam M. Finkel, a top administrator at the Labor 
Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration, said he 
expected the agency to test its inspectors for exposure to beryllium 
fumes or dust. In 2002, he realized the agency was not moving in that 
direction, and he became a whistle-blower.

He said he thought inspectors were at risk for contracting chronic 
beryllium disease, which can be fatal. The agency didn't begin testing 
until last year. And recent news reports said at least three inspectors 
tested positive for blood abnormalities that indicate they could be 
susceptible to the disease.

Jonathan L. Snare, acting administrator at OSHA, said in an interview 
that it would be premature to comment on whether anyone tested positive 
because the agency has not completed the testing of 301 inspectors.

Beryllium, an extremely lightweight metal that is a carcinogen, is used 
in making microprocessors, golf clubs and dental alloys and in the 
military and nuclear industry.

...

For the entire article, see
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A52864-2005Jan31.html


--
Lenny Siegel
Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
c/o PSC, 278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/961-8918
http://www.cpeo.org

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