Noi reguli pentru protecția angajaților la locul de muncă. Limite mai stricte pentru substanțele care pot provoca cancer

The European Parliament has approved new regulations to protect workers from carcinogenic substances. Stricter exposure limits for cobalt, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 1,4-dioxane, and isoprene have been established, along with clearer employer obligations regarding protective equipment. These measures are expected to prevent around 1,700 lung cancer cases and nearly 19,000 other occupational illnesses over the next 40 years. Member states will have two years to implement these regulations, with some transition periods extended. The directive also addresses welding fumes and emphasizes the need for adequate personal protective equipment for workers, especially in emergency services. Approximately 80,000 deaths annually in the EU are linked to occupational exposure to carcinogens, highlighting the importance of these new rules.