The Commission has proposed a fourth revision of the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive

To improve workers’ protection against cancer, the Commission has proposed on 22 September to further limit their exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. Indeed, each year, about 120,000 work-related cancer cases occur as a result of exposure to carcinogens at work in the EU, leading to approximately 80,000 fatalities annually. This fourth revision of the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive sets new limit values for acrylonitrile and nickel compounds or revised limit values for benzene. Estimates show that more than 1.1 million workers in a wide range of sectors will benefit from improved protection thanks to the new rules. The Commission’s proposal will now be negotiated by the European Parliament and the Council. A consultation is open until 30 November.

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