This week, European Parliament approved new rules to improve EU standards protecting workers from exposure to certain dangerous substances.
This sixth revision of the carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic substances directive (CMRD) includes new exposure limit values for certain dangerous chemicals, based on the most up-to-date scientific data. The updates to the directive, already provisionally agreed by the European Parliament and Council, were endorsed by 499 votes in favour and 49 votes against, and with 104 abstentions.
The directive sets new limit values for cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds (used in battery production), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (used in steel, iron and aluminium production), and 1,4-dioxane, which is used in chemical and textile production. It also sets a long-term occupational exposure limit value for isoprene (used in the chemical and rubber producing industry), as this substance meets the criteria for classification as carcinogen.
Every year, around 120,000 workers in the EU are diagnosed with occupational cancer linked to exposure to carcinogens at work. This is a preventable tragedy that we cannot accept. By introducing stricter exposure limits, these new rules will better protect workers’ health, reduce risks in the workplace and strengthen decent working conditions across the European Union, while giving companies the necessary legal certainty and time to comply with the new standards.
Liesbet Sommen, rapporteur (EPP, BE)
The European Commission will have to assess the need to set additional limit values for substances contained in welding fumes.
For when exposure cannot be reduced to levels below the proposed limit values, the updated law clarifies rules on personal protective equipment, such as respiratory protective devices, including the right to regular breaks in an area clear of contamination risks.
Employers will have to ensure additional protection measures for firefighters and other emergency services personnel, who are at risk of contact with a variety of hazardous materials in the course of their work.
The directive insists on the importance of appropriate training for workers who are, or who are likely to be, exposed to carcinogens, mutagens or reprotoxic substances, including hazardous medicinal products, i.e. pharmaceutical substances that can cause harm to workers in the health sector if not handled or used appropriately.
Next steps
Member states will have two years from the directive’s entry into force to transpose its provisions, with longer transitional periods for certain occupational exposure limit values.
Cancer is the leading cause of work-related deaths in the EU. Around 80 000 people are estimated to die each year as a result of occupational exposure to carcinogens.
This sixth revision of the carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic substances directive should improve the protection of workers against occupational diseases and lower risks to workers’ health. It follows requests from Parliament and the Council and forms part of the EU’s 2021-2027 strategic framework on health and safety at work. According to the European Commission, it will prevent about 1,700 lung cancer cases and 19,000 other illnesses over the next 40 years.
