Commission welcomes political agreement to protect workers from cancer-causing chemicals

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

The European Commission welcomes the provisional agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council on the sixth revision of the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic substances Directive (CMRD).

Once formally adopted, the strengthened Directive can avert around 1,700 cases of lung cancer and 19,000 work-related illnesses over the next 40 years, while generating up to €1.16 billion in healthcare savings across the EU.

Science-backed action for healthier workplaces

The sixth revision of the CMRD sets clearer rules and protective exposure limits for high-risk substancessuch as cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 1,4-dioxane and isoprene.

Cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds are used in battery production (e.g. for electric vehicles), as well as in the manufacturing of magnets and hard metals. The new rules introduce occupational exposure limits for both inhalable and respirable fractions of these substances. They introduce a 6-year transitional period with higher limits to allow industries time to adapt their processes and technologies, reducing economic disruption while improving safety standards and worker protection.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be found in steel, iron and aluminium production, as well as in welding fumes. They are essential in the production of batteries storing energy produced by wind turbines, semiconductors and electric vehicles. The latest revision of the rules establishes a new exposure limit while a temporary limit twice as high will apply for 7 years after the Directive enters into force, to help the most affected sectors adapt.

1,4-dioxane is used in chemical and textile production and is present in some household detergents. The new rules include a general occupational exposure limit, a short-term exposure limit and a biological limit value to this substance.

Isoprene is used in the chemical and rubber industries. The new rules include a general occupational exposure limit to this substance.

In addition,the revised rules add welding fumes to the scope of the Directive,highlighting their possible danger for workers and clarifying employers’ obligations regarding necessary protective and preventive measures. They also include specific notations highlighting potential exposure to these substances through the skin or other routes.

Background

EU Directive 2004/37/EC sets minimum requirements to protect workers from exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or reprotoxic substances at work. InJuly 2025, the Commission proposed this sixth revision to strengthen protection against cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds, PAHs, 1,4-dioxane and welding fumes. The proposal followed extensive consultation with social partners and scientific experts.

The sixth revision builds on five previous revisions of the CMRD, which together addressed more than 40 key hazardous chemicals and are expected to help save the lives of over 100,000 workers over the next 50 years.

This revision builds on the EU Strategic Framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027 and supports the goals outlined in the Quality Jobs Roadmap and the European Pillar of Social Rights on occupational health and safety. It also contributes to Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the European Health Union by helping to ensure safer and healthier workplaces across the EU.

Next steps

The agreed text will now need to be formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Once the Directive enters into force, Member States will be required to incorporate it into national law within the agreed deadline.

For more information

Official Journal of the European Union

Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion