The European Parliament confirms new occupational exposure limit values.

On the 7th February 2024, the European Parliament approved the provisional trilogue agreement to amend the Directive regarding the exposure limit values for lead and its inorganic compounds and diisocyanates by a large majority in the plenary session.

The vote was preceded by a parliamentary debate in which MEPs emphasised the importance of the new provisions governing the health and safety of workers. In the European Union (EU), around 50,000 to 150,000 workers are exposed to lead and 4.2 million workers are exposed to diisocyanates every year. Both materials are used in batteries and roofing materials, as well as in the manufacture of wind turbines and electric vehicles.

Limit value for lead updated for the first time in more than 40 years

The Directive will now update the occupational exposure limit value for lead for the first time since 1982 and reduce it to 0.03 mg/m3. The biological limit value for lead will be reduced to 15 µg/100 ml from 1 January 2029, until then a transitional limit value of 30 µg/100 ml will apply. According to the European Chemicals Agency, exposure to lead may cause cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure or fertility problems. Further health surveillance measures are therefore being introduced for women of childbearing age and employees who have already been exposed to lead for a longer period of time.

Definition of a limit value for diisocyanates

Diisocyanates are chemical agents that can have effects on the health of the respiratory tract and skin in the event of occupational exposure. The Directive now sets an exposure limit value for the first time. The maximum allowable concentration during an eight-hour working day is set to 6 µg NCO/m3. A limit value of 12 µg NCO/m3 is set for short-term exposure of 15 minutes.

Completion of the legislative process as early as February

The Council will formally vote on the adoption of the legislative act on 26 February 2024. Provided that the Council also confirms the new provisions, the Directive will be published in the Official Journal of the EU and will enter into force 20 days later.