On July 11, 2025, the European Commission proposed a major revision to the Chemical Agents Directive (98/24/EC)—a critical update that aims to better protect millions of EU workers exposed to dangerous substances at work.

This move aligns with the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan, Beating Cancer Plan, and the Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work (2021–2027).

Why This Matters?

Despite advancements, chemical exposure in the workplace remains a significant threat.

Key health risks include:

i. Respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, silicosis)
ii. Skin disorders (e.g., dermatitis)
iii. Cancer
iv. Reproductive harm

By the numbers:

i. 23% of EU workers report exposure to hazardous substances
ii. Up to 100,000 cancer cases annually are linked to chemical exposure
iii. The proposal aims to prevent 1,700 lung cancer cases and 19,000 other illnesses over 40 years

What’s in the Proposal?

1. Expanded Chemical Hazard Scope

Now includes:

i. Endocrine disruptors
ii. Respiratory/skin sensitizers
iii. Reproductive toxicants

These changes align with the CLP Regulation, ensuring consistency across EU chemical laws.

2. New Dermal Exposure Protections

For the first time, skin absorption risks must be assessed and controlled, alongside inhalation.

3. Updated Binding Occupational Exposure Limit Values (BOELVs)

BOELVs set based on scientific input from ECHA’s RAC, including:

a. Respirable crystalline silica
b. Formaldehyde
c. Cadmium
d. Diisocyanates
e. Cobalt compounds
f. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
g. 1,4-Dioxane

4. Mandatory Substitution Plans

Employers must replace hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives when available and justify continued use through risk assessments.

5. Stronger Training and Communication

Employers must involve workers in assessments, clearly label hazards, and train staff on protective measures.

New Exposure Limits Snapshot

a. Cobalt (e.g., in batteries):
i. Limit: 0.01 mg/m³ (inhalable), 0.0025 mg/m³ (respirable)
ii. Transitional limit (6 years): 0.02 / 0.0042 mg/m³

b. PAHs (e.g., welding fumes):
i. Limit: 0.00007 mg/m³
ii. Transitional limit: 0.00014 mg/m³

c. 1,4-Dioxane (e.g., solvents):
i. Limit: 7.3 mg/m³
ii. Short-term: 73 mg/m³
Includes a biological exposure limit

Additional notations will flag skin-absorbing substances, prompting extra protections.

What Employers Need to Do?

If the proposal is adopted, employers must:

i. Update risk assessments (include skin & inhalation)
ii. Implement technical controls (e.g., ventilation)
iii. Train employees and communicate clearly
iv. Substitute hazardous substances where possible
v. Follow new BOELVs in the updated annex

How This Fits in the Bigger Picture?

Zero Pollution Plan: Reduces toxic workplace exposure
Beating Cancer Plan: Prevents occupational cancers
European Green Deal: Supports safer chemical transitions
REACH/CLP Reform: Aligns safety standards across legislation

What’s Next?

European Parliament and Council will review the proposal

Adoption expected in 2026
Member States will then transpose it into national law
BOELVs phased in over 2–5 years, depending on the substance

This ambitious proposal represents a major leap in worker health protection. By modernizing chemical safety standards and setting science-based exposure limits, the EU is leading globally in safeguarding its workforce from hazardous substances.

 

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