The Netherlands sets a much higher occupational exposure limit value (OEL) for diesel engine exhaust emissions

The revision of the European directive on the protection of workers exposed to carcinogens has resulted in diesel engine exhaust emissions coming under its scope(Directive 2019/130 of 16 January 2019). Diesel engine exhaust emissions are made up of a cocktail of hazardous chemical agents, with their composition dependent on different factors (type of engine, use of filters, maintenance, etc.). Workers in the European Union are massively exposed to these carcinogenic emissions, with estimates stating that 3.6 million workers are affected in sectors such as construction, public works, transport or other companies working with diesel engines. Not part of the European Commission’s original proposal, the inclusion of such emissions in the directive’s scope is the result of an amendment adopted by the European Parliament by a large majority. 

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