Which organization sets regulations for permissible asbestos exposure in the workplace?

The organization responsible for setting regulations for permissible asbestos exposure in the workplace is OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA's primary role is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions by enforcing standards and regulations concerning various workplace hazards, including asbestos.

Specifically, OSHA has established permissible exposure limits (PELs) for asbestos, which define the maximum amount of airborne asbestos fibers that workers can be exposed to during a specific time frame. These regulations are crucial for protecting workers from the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

While other organizations, like the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), play vital roles in research, health recommendations, and regulations related to asbestos and its effects on the environment and public health, it is OSHA that directly regulates workplace environments and holds employers accountable for adhering to safety standards concerning asbestos exposure. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) also contributes to public health but does not set workplace regulations. Thus, the role of OSHA in establishing and enforcing permissible exposure limits is pivotal in workplace safety concerning asbestos.