The sixth revision of the carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic substances directive (CMRD) includes new exposure limit values for certain dangerous chemicals, based on the most up-to-date scientific data.

The co-legislators backed new limit values for cobalt and its inorganic compounds (used for battery production), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (used in steel), iron and aluminium production, and 1,4-dioxane, which is used in chemical and textile production. Following Parliament’s insistence, the European Commission will have to assess the need to set additional limit values for substances contained in welding fumes.

Isoprene

Parliament and Council included a long-term occupational exposure limit value for isoprene (used in the chemical and rubber producing industry), as this substance meets the criteria for classification as carcinogenic. Exposure to isoprene can cause irritation to the nose, throat, and lungs, and chronic and high exposure may lead to liver cancer and…