Workers can use modern respirators against cadmium, not just old ones

The US Labor Department is updating its rules for respirators used to protect workers from cadmium. This means companies can now use newer, more effective types of respirators that meet current safety standards.

For years, companies had to use specific, often outdated, respirator models to protect workers from cadmium exposure, even if better technology existed. This change means employers can choose from a wider range of modern respirators, which could improve worker safety and potentially lower costs for compliance. It aligns an old rule with current safety practices.