Limits on exposure to carcinogens and mutagens at work: Fourth proposal

Briefing 09-10-2023

In September 2020, as part of the fight against cancer and to protect the health of workers in a number of industries, the European Commission proposed to amend the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive (Directive 2004/37/EC), expanding its scope and including and/or revising occupational exposure limit values for a number of cancer- or mutation-causing chemical agents. On 16 December 2021, after interinstitutional negotiations, the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the proposal. Parliament approved the agreed text on 17 February 2022; the Council followed on 3 March. The final act was signed on 9 March 2022. Workers will benefit from greater protection, owing to the setting of exposure limits for acrylonitrile and nickel compounds and the lowering of the limits for benzene. The scope of the directive includes reprotoxic substances (which have adverse effects on reproduction and can cause impaired fertility or infertility). Workers who deal with hazardous medicinal products will receive better training on how to handle them safely. Fourth edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.