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• OSHA postpones IAQ rulemaking 

In 1991, OSHA put out a request for information, followed in 1994 with a proposed rule to govern the IAQ in workplaces within the United States. The proposal was highly political and contentious from the start because it focused primarily on cigarette smoke. . . In its most recent action on this contentious topic, OSHA withdrew its IAQ proposal and terminated the rulemaking proceedings last year.

OSHA justified this decision based on state and local laws, as well as private-sector action on second-hand smoke. Between 1994 and 2001, many states, local governments, and private employers took steps to regulate smoking in public areas, and in workplaces. OSHA found that withdrawal of the proposal would allow it to devote its limited resources to other projects.

Interestingly, anti-smoking groups appear now to support OSHA's withdrawal of the proposal. For example, the American Lung Association stated that since 1994 there has been a 50 percent increase in smoke-free workplaces. In another telling sign, ASH has dismissed its lawsuit against OSHA.

However, OSHA is likely to revisit the IAQ aspect of this debate soon. In addition to tobacco smoke, the proposed rule would have required employers to prepare and implement IAQ compliance plans.

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