Rules for handling 13 cancer-causing chemicals just got easier for employers

The US Labor Department is changing its rules for how workers protect themselves from 13 specific cancer-causing chemicals. Employers will now have more choices for the types of breathing masks their workers can use.

For decades, employers had very specific, rigid rules about which respirators to use when handling these dangerous chemicals. This change means companies can now use a wider range of modern breathing protection, which could save them money and make compliance simpler. It also means the government is updating old safety rules to match current technology and standards.