EU Updates Worker Chemical Safety Rules

EU Strengthens Worker Protections with Revised Chemical Directive

On 17 July 2025, the European Commission unveiled its sixth revision of the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances Directive (CMRD), introducing new occupational exposure limits (OELs) and expanding the directive’s scope to include welding fumes. These changes aim to enhance workplace safety and reduce serious health risks across Europe.

Major Health Benefits and Economic Savings

The updated directive is projected to prevent around 1,700 lung cancer cases and 19,000 other severe illnesses over the next 40 years, including respiratory diseases and organ damage. This public health improvement could save approximately €1.16 billion in healthcare costs, benefiting both workers and society.

New Exposure Limits for Key Hazardous Substances

• Cobalt and Inorganic Cobalt Compounds

o 0.01 mg/m³ for inhalable dust
o 0.0025 mg/m³ for respirable particles
o Transitional limits for six years: 0.02 mg/m³ and 0.0042 mg/m³

• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

o Proposed limit: 0.00007 mg/m³
o Temporary limit for six years: 0.00014 mg/m³

• 1,4-Dioxane

o Limit value: 7.3 mg/m³
o Short-term exposure limit: 73 mg/m³
o Biological limit proposed for comprehensive protection

New Safety Measures: Skin Notations and Welding Fumes Inclusion

The directive adds skin notations for substances absorbed through skin or other routes, raising awareness for additional precautions beyond inhalation controls.

Welding fumes are now formally covered under the directive, acknowledging their carcinogenic content (chromium, nickel, cadmium). This inclusion clarifies employer responsibilities and promotes use of PPE and ventilation in metalworking and construction industries.

Evidence-Based Update with Stakeholder Input

The revision incorporates scientific research and input from:

• The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Risk Assessment Committee
• The Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work
• Representatives of employers, workers, and governments across the EU

This update builds on previous revisions addressing over 40 hazardous substances, which are estimated to save 100,000 lives over 50 years.

Alignment with EU Health and Safety Priorities

The revised CMRD supports:

• EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work (2021–2027)
• European Pillar of Social Rights
• Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan
• The vision of a European Health Union

Next Steps: Legislative Process and Implementation

The proposal will be reviewed by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Following adoption, Member States will have two years to transpose the directive into national law.

Reference: European Commission Press Release