Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Certification Practice Exam

In what year was the current OSHA PEL for asbestos established?

1. 1989

2. 1994

3. 2000

4. 2006

The correct answer is: 1994

The current OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for asbestos was established in 1994. This regulation aimed to reduce worker exposure to asbestos, a known carcinogen, by setting strict limits on the amount of asbestos fibers that can be present in the workplace air. The establishment of this PEL was a significant step in occupational health to protect workers from the adverse health effects associated with asbestos exposure, including lung diseases and cancers like mesothelioma. In contrast, the years associated with the other options were either related to proposed standards or revisions that did not result in an updated PEL for asbestos. For instance, while there were regulatory efforts in the late 1980s, many were challenged in court, leading to prolonged discussion and implementation timelines before arriving at the final standard in 1994. This is why understanding the specific timeline and context of the regulatory environment around asbestos is crucial for professionals working in occupational safety and health.