The European Commission has proposed new measures to protect workers from hazardous chemicals. The initiative aims to prevent approximately 1,700 lung cancer cases and 19,000 other illnesses over the next four decades. This marks the sixth revision of the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic substances Directive (CMRD). It includes setting exposure limits for cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and 1,4-dioxane. Welding fumes are also added under the CMRD’s scope.
These changes could potentially save up to €1.16 billion in healthcare costs while improving life quality for workers and their families.
The revision reflects recent scientific data and incorporates feedback from the Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work, which includes representatives from various sectors.
To enhance workplace safety, the Commission proposes specific exposure limit values:
– Cobalt and inorganic compounds: These are used in battery production for electric vehicles and manufacturing magnets. Proposed limits are 0.01 mg/m³ for inhalable particles and 0.0025 mg/m³ for finer particles that reach deeper into lungs. Transitional limits allow industries six years to adapt.
– Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): Found in steel, iron, aluminium production, and welding fumes. A new limit value of 0.00007 mg/m³ is proposed with a temporary higher limit for six years post-directive implementation.
– 1,4-dioxane: Used as a solvent in chemical production and detergents with a general limit of 7.3 mg/m³ and a short-term exposure limit of 73 mg/m³.
The proposal includes “notations” alerting employers about potential skin or other exposures requiring extra protective measures.
Welding fumes containing carcinogenic substances like chromium, nickel, and cadmium compounds will now be covered by CMRD regulations to ensure clearer legal guidelines for worker protection.
The proposal will be reviewed by the European Parliament and Council before adoption. Member States will then have two years to integrate it into national law.
This revision follows extensive consultations with social partners, the European Chemicals Agency’s Risk Assessment Committee, among others. It aligns with commitments made in the EU Strategic Framework on health and safety at work (2021-2027) as well as Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.
For more information:
Eva HRNCIROVA – Spokesperson
Phone: +32 2 29 88433
Email: [email protected]
Quentin CORTES – Press Officer
Phone: +32 2 29 13283
Email: [email protected]
