Stricter European Union (EU) rules will better protect textile workers using dyes from exposure to carcinogens or mutagens thanks to a final approval by Parliament.
The ruling, which adds another 11 carcinogens to the dangerous substances list and revises limit values for two existing ones, is aimed at targeting the primary cause of work-related deaths in the EU. The aim is to help save up to 100,000 lives over the next 50 years.
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Under the new rules, workers using dyes in the European textile finishing sector should not breathe air with more than 0.005 milligrams per cubic metre of chromium (VI) compounds.
Chromium (VI) compounds are used widely in applications such as pigment for textile dyes (such as ammonium dichromate, potassium chromate, sodium chromate), as well as for leather tanning (ammonium dichromate).
It is thought to cause severe allergic contact dermatitis in humans and is able to elicit dermatitis at very low concentrations.
Much of the world’s leather production is tanned with chromium salts, which enable the finished leather to be suitable for a range of end-uses.
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By GlobalDataThe new ruling says employers will have to identify and assess risks to workers who are exposed to the substances and take preventive measures.
Rapporteur Marita Ulvskog said of the decision: “I am incredibly happy that the EU has finally revised the carcinogens and mutagens directive. It took over ten years of pushing to get a more ambitious agenda. Workers need to know they are protected and that companies are not competing on the basis of their health. The EU needs a stronger social agenda and this is a good start.”
The directive was approved by 540 votes to 6 against, with 119 abstentions. Once endorsed by the Council, the new rules will be published in the EU Official Journal and enter into force 20 days after publication.
