
Chemical agents
New limits for lead and diisocyanates should make workplaces safer
UM – 04/2023
On
26 April, the European Commission (EC) concluded its exploratory process for better
protection of workers from chemical agents. The opinion focused on the lowering
of the current limits for lead and inorganic lead compounds as well as the
first-time introduction of limits for diisocyanates, a nitrogen, carbon and
oxygen group, which are mainly found in sealants, construction foams or
paints.
Limits alone are not enough
German Social Insurance European Representation (DSV) shares the EC's concern to continuously and consistently improve the
safety and protection of people at their workplaces. It does so by proposing an amendment
to the Directives 98/24/EC and 2004/37/EC with regard to limits for lead
and its inorganic compounds and for diisocyanates. As right as the step is in
principle, the change or introduction of limits alone is not enough. The DSV
points this out in its feedback.
Lead – residual uncertainties remain
In doing so, it follows the EC's proposal to significantly lower the limits for lead concentrations
in the air of the working environment and in the blood of workers. An even
lower limit is proposed for women of childbearing age. Medical monitoring of
workers should also be initiated earlier, i.e. when lower thresholds are
reached. Nevertheless, caution is advised. Significantly lowered limits do not
necessarily ensure that health hazards can be completely ruled out.
Diisocyanates – methodical problems with measurement
The first-time introduction of limits for
diisocyanates is generally viewed positively by the DSV. The EC proposes common occupational exposure limits for all diisocyanates
and only wants to differentiate between a shift value, measured in eight hours,
and a short-term value. That falls short. Following this approach, essential
information regarding the toxicity of certain diisocyanate groups would be
lost. In addition, there are methodological problems with the measurement. And
here too: Residual uncertainties remain as to the adverse health effects below
the proposed limits. This is especially true for sensitised employees.
Measurement method: Further developments necessary
Therefore, effective occupational safety
and appropriate preventive measures remain important in day-to-day operations –
and this applies to lead as well as to diisocyanates. The transitional period
proposed by the EC for the implementation of the new
provisions should also be used to make the measuring equipment and procedures
more accurate so that the new limits can also be checked and complied with.