European Commission strengthens protection of workers from hazardous chemicals

The European Commission has proposed new measures to strengthen the protection of workers from hazardous chemicals, with the aim of reducing serious diseases and improving safety in the working environment.

The European Commission has proposed a new revision of the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances Directive (CMRD), with the aim of improving the protection of workers from exposure to hazardous chemicals. These measures are expected to prevent approximately 1,700 cases of lung cancer and 19,000 additional diseases such as lung, liver and kidney disease over the next 40 years. They could also save up to ¤1.16 billion in healthcare costs and significantly improve the quality of life of workers and their families.

Highlights include:

• New exposure limits for:
  • Cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds ,used in the production of batteries and hard metals.
  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), present in industries such as steel and welding fumes.
  • 1,4-dioxane, un disolvente común en la industria química y textil.
• Inclusion of welding fumes in the scope of the CMRD, due to their content of carcinogenic substances such as chromium, nickel and cadmium.

The proposal is based on the latest scientific evidence and the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work. It will now be discussed by the European Parliament and the Council. Once adopted, Member States will have two years to transpose it into national law.

For more information, please consult the European Commission source