The European Commission has unveiled a proposal to strengthen protections for workers against harmful chemical exposure. The sixth revision of the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances Directive (CMRD) aims to prevent about 1,700 lung cancer cases and 19,000 other serious illnesses—such as restrictive lung disease and organ damage—over the next four decades.
New Exposure Limits for High-Risk Substances
To make workplaces safer, the Commission recommends setting new exposure limits for:
*Cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds, widely used in battery manufacturing and the production of magnets and hard metals. The proposed limits are 0.01 mg/m³ for inhalable particles and 0.0025 mg/m³ for respirable particles, with transitional values allowing six years for industries to adapt.
*Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), common in steel, iron, and aluminium industries as well as welding fumes. A new limit of 0.00007 mg/m³ has been proposed, with a temporary higher limit for six years to help affected sectors adjust.
*1,4-dioxane, a solvent used in chemical and textile production and detergents, with a general limit of 7.3 mg/m³, a short-term limit of 73 mg/m³, and a biological exposure indicator.
The Directive will also introduce “notations” to alert employers and employees to risks of skin or other forms of exposure, guiding the adoption of additional protective measures.
Welding Fumes Added to Directive
For the first time, the CMRD explicitly includes welding fumes, which often contain carcinogenic compounds such as chromium, nickel, and cadmium. This move sets clear legal obligations for employers. It also mandates protective measures to reduce exposure, promoting healthier and safer workplaces across the EU.
Health, Safety, and Economic Benefits
The revised rules could save up to €1.16 billion in healthcare costs. They also promise to improve workers’ and their families’ quality of life. They reflect the latest scientific evidence. The Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work, representing workers, employers, and EU governments, also contributed.
Next Steps and Broader Impact
The proposal now goes to the European Parliament and the Council for discussion. After adoption, Member States will get two years to enforce the new standards. The sixth revision of the CMRD builds on five previous updates, which have already targeted over 40 hazardous chemicals. As reported by ec.europa.eu, the initiative supports the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021–2027 and the European Pillar of Social Rights. It also aligns with Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the broader European Health Union.
