A directive has been approved by the European Parliament to introduce new limits on exposure to carcinogens for workers in the construction, chemical, textile and woodworking sectors. Specifically, occupational exposure limits have been approved, generally expressed in milligrams per cubic meter of air, for 10 chemical agents (propylene oxide, butadiene, 2-nitroproprane, acrylamide, bromoethylene, vinyl bromide, hexavalent chromium compounds, oxide of ethylene, hydrazine and o-toluidine) and for refractory ceramic fibers and crystalline silica dust (produced by the extraction, cutting or crushing of materials such as concrete, bricks or rocks). The obligation for employers will be to identify and assess the risks for workers exposed to these substances and take preventive measures with the common goal of "helping to save up to 100.000 lives over the next five years" at EU level cancer is the leading cause of deaths at work.
