New occupational exposure limits for lead and diisocyanates

The European Commission has taken action to further improve the protection of workers from the health risks linked to the exposure to dangerous chemicals.

In particular, the Commission proposes to amend two Directives with the aim of further lowering the exposure limit for lead and introducing first-ever exposure limits for diisocyanates.

Lead can affect sexual function and fertility, and it can harm the development of a foetus or offspring of exposed women. It can also damage the nervous system, the kidneys, the heart and blood of people exposed to it. Diisocyanates can cause respiratory diseases like asthma.

Read the Press Release

Learn more about EU-OSHA’s activities on dangerous substanceswork-related cancer, the worker’s exposure survey on cancer risk factors in Europe and our contribution to the roadmap on carcinogens