Unions Push For Fed Action On Fracking Hazards, Cite NIOSH Data On Silica PEL Compliance

Organized labor groups are pressuring OSHA to make an enforcement push against crystalline silica hazards in the fast-growing shale gas extraction industry -- especially in hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”), the controversial method of extracting oil and gas that uses a huge amount of dust-generating sand along with water and chemicals. They cite new NIOSH data showing measures of non-compliance at fracking sites with OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) for silica. The research also points to exposure levels well over NIOSH recommended caps, which could also provide some impetus for ongoin