OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

May 4, 1987

Miss Barbara Danowski
3603 Seguin Drive
Dallas, Texas 75220

Dear Miss Danowski:

This is in response to your letter of March 26, in which you requested information on paper dust.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been regulating paper dust under the nuisance dust standard which specifies a permissible exposure limit of five milligrams per cubic meter for respirable dust and fifteen milligrams per cubic meter for total dust. However, a recent decision by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) determined that the nuisance dust standard can no longer apply to organic dusts, such as paper dust (Secretary of Labor vs. Bunge Corporation, April 22, 1986, OSHRC Docket No. 77-17622, 78-838, and 78-2213, enclosed herein). Thus, the Agency currently has no enforceable standard limiting occupational exposure to paper dust.

Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health.

Sincerely,



Richard D. Edsell
Director
Office of Science and Technical Support