Workplace illnesses: EU improves protection against toxic chemicals at work
Cobalt is used in batteries for electric cars. In high concentrations it can cause cancer. New rules are intended to protect workers.
The EU has set stricter limits to protect workers from harmful chemicals that can cause cancer or asthma. The new rules, agreed by EU states, will apply to substances used in electric vehicle batteries and steel production, and will help prevent around 1,700 lung cancer cases and 19,000 other illnesses over 40 years. The limits dictate the maximum exposure to these substances over an eight-hour period, with specific limits set for cobalt and its inorganic compounds.
The industry has six years to adapt to the new rules, with higher limits applying during a transitional period. The changes also introduce long-term limits for isopren and classify welding fumes as a potentially hazardous substance.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
