Brussels:The Council of the EU has approved revised regulations to enhance the protection of workers from hazardous substances that pose health risks, including cancer and asthma.
According to Emirates News Agency, the update marks the sixth revision of the carcinogens, mutagens, and reprotoxic substances directive (CMRD). It modernizes EU health and safety legislation to align with recent scientific insights. Key changes include the establishment of occupational exposure limit values (OELs) for substances such as cobalt and its inorganic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 1,4-dioxane, and isoprene. Additionally, welding fumes have been added to the list of substances covered by the directive.
The updated rules are projected to prevent approximately 1,700 lung cancer cases and 19,000 other illnesses over the next four decades. The directive will become effective once published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Subsequently, member states must incorporate the revised regulations into their national laws within two years.
