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In June 2024, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) issued a final rule lowering the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystallin silica to 50 µg per cubic meter as an 8-hour time-weighted average for all mines, with compliance deadlines in 2025 for coal and 2026 for metal/nonmetal mines. The rule mandates regular exposure monitoring and corrective action if limits are exceeded, with a goal of significantly reducing silica-related illnesses among miners.

For analysis of the crystallinity of the silica, MSHA-approved methods include X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), with XRD favored because of its accuracy and ability to distinguish silica polymorphs such as quartz and cristobalite. Operators must use accredited laboratories and specified analytical protocols to ensure reliable detection and reporting of respirable crystalline silica.

This webinar will summarize the new standard, discuss the required analytical instrumentation and detail the XRD measurement plans.