NIOSH comments to DOL on the Mine safety and health proposed rule on ionizing radiation standards for underground metal and nonmetal mines by R. W. Niemeier, February 17, 1987

The testimony supports the efforts of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to promulgate a new standard for ionizing radiation in underground mines. NIOSH is currently completing a draft criteria document which will contain a recommended exposure limit. Specific comments are directed to the use of a combined exposure rule to limit or sum the exposure to radon daughters, thoron daughters, and gamma radiation; the use of the International Commission on Radiological Protection recommendation of a factor of 3 to calculate the thoron limit based on the radon limit; the calculation of the NIOSH risk assessment; the lack of medical surveillance in the proposed rule; respiratory protection; and the monitoring of work environments