The U.S. Dept. of Labor will be developing rules concerning occupational exposure to crystalline silica dust and changing the Hazard Communication Standard to a global system of classification and labeling of chemicals. Over two million workers are exposed to crystalline silica dust—which is a known human carcinogen-- in general industry, maritime, and construction, including highway repair, concrete work, and rock drilling. Regulations implementing provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 are in the final rule stage, with final action anticipated for Sept. 2007, DOL says. See DOL’s regulatory priorities for more details.