Work-related illnesses linked to harmful substances: European legislation for employees in danger
European Commission Proposes New Safeguards for Workers Exposed to Cobalt and Its Compounds
The European Commission has recently proposed new occupational exposure limits for cobalt and its inorganic compounds as part of strengthened protections for workers against hazardous chemicals. These limits, aimed at reducing health risks such as lung cancer, restrictive lung disease, and damage to the liver and kidneys among workers exposed to cobalt, are intended to address illnesses that arise after a period of exposure to hazardous substances [1][3].
The updated directive in the Carcinogens, Mutagens, and Reprotoxic Substances Directive (CMRD) introduces these limits based on the latest scientific data and expert advice to safeguard workers in industries that handle cobalt compounds [1][3]. The expected outcomes include preventing about 1,700 lung cancer cases and 19,000 other illnesses within the next 40 years, along with significant health-care cost savings up to €1.16 billion [3].
Impact on Industries Using Cobalt
The proposed limits will have a significant impact on industries that use cobalt, particularly battery production, recycling and metal recovery, and other cobalt-using industries.
- Battery production: Stricter exposure limits will require improved handling measures, protective equipment, and workplace controls in battery manufacturing facilities to reduce worker exposure.
- Recycling and metal recovery: The proposed limits affect hydrometallurgical and solvometallurgical processes that recover cobalt and lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries. Innovative processes involve chemical leaching and solvent extraction to reclaim cobalt safely and efficiently [4]. The proposed exposure limits necessitate further industrial hygiene improvements to minimize cobalt dust or vapor exposure during recovery and recycling operations.
- Other cobalt-using industries: Cobalt compounds are used in hard metal manufacturing, catalysts, and other chemical processes. These sectors will need to implement stricter controls, monitoring, and possibly redesign workflows to comply with the new limits, reducing occupational health risks [1][3].
The proposed limits for inhalable cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds particles is 0.01 mg/m³, while the limit for respirable cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds particles is 0.0025 mg/m³. Transition limits for cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds are 0.02 mg/m³ and 0.0042 mg/m³, allowing industries six years to adapt [3].
The elements to be kept under observation include cobalt, inorganic cobalt compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ("PAHs"), and 1,4-dioxane. Welding fumes are also included under the CMRD [1].
The proposed safeguards do not mention any penalties for non-compliance, and they do not provide details on how they will be implemented. However, the aim of the proposed safeguards is to prevent 1,700 cases of lung cancer and 19,000 other serious illnesses, significantly improving the quality of life of workers and their families [3].
The new measures are focused on European institutions and workers, and they are in response to a rising phenomenon of illnesses arising from exposure to hazardous substances [1]. The European Commission's proposal for stricter safeguards for workers exposed to high levels of chemical elements reflects a science-based shift toward more diligent management of cobalt hazards in key industries [1][3].
References:
[1] European Commission. (2021). Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2004/37/EC as regards the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, and amending Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 as regards the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12522-Proposal-for-a-Regulation-of-the-European-Parliament-and-of-the-Council-amending-Directive-2004-37-EC-as-regards-the-classification-labelling-and-packaging-of-substances-and-mixtures-and-amending-Regulation-EC-No-1272-2008-as-regards-the-classification-labelling-and-packaging-of-substances-and-mixtures_en
[2] European Commission. (2020). Battery Alliance. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-green-deal/batteries/battery-alliance_en
[3] European Commission. (2021). Press release: European Commission proposes new safeguards for workers exposed to hazardous substances. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_21_3317
[4] European Commission. (2021). Circular economy: European Commission proposes new measures to boost battery recycling and reuse. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_21_3606
- The European Commission's proposal aims to strengthen workplace-wellness in various industries, particularly focusing on those that handle cobalt, such as battery production, recycling, metal recovery, and hard metal manufacturing.
- In the manufacturing sector, stricter safeguards for workers imply the need for better protective equipment, improved handling measures, and enhanced workplace controls to mitigate respiratory conditions.
- For instance, battery manufacturing facilities will have to pay more attention to protective measures and workflows to prevent harmful exposure to cobalt.
- The proposed limits also affect other chemical processes in the pharmaceutical, finance, and environmental-science industries, requiring increased vigilance to minimize health risks associated with medical-conditions like lung cancer and liver damage.
- The European Commission's proposal for enhanced workplace-wellness standards could eventually lead to substantial savings in healthcare costs, as it is projected to prevent 1,700 cases of lung cancer and 19,000 other illnesses over the next 40 years.
- The new measures envisioned by the European Commission signify a shift towards increased diligence in the management of cobalt hazards and other hazardous substances, which can ultimately contribute to promoting health-and-wellness among workers and their families.
