Third revision of Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive (CMD) - Roadmap on Carcinogens

On 19 June 2019, the Official Journal of the European Union published the text of the third revision of the CMD: the directive protecting workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work (Directive 2019/983 (EU), amending Directive 2004/37/EC). The revision not only introduces four new occupational exposure limit values (OELVs) for cadmium, beryllium, MOCA and formaldehyde, it also clarifies the scope of the rules and obliges the European Commission to make legislative proposals. 

The overall revision of the CMD is taking place in steps. This latest revision clarifies the scope of the rules protecting workers. In the European Union, many carcinogens are subject not to a harmonised classification but to a self-classification carried out by suppliers. The directive now stipulates that prevention measures must be adopted for both categories of substances, i.e. substances with a harmonised classification as 1A (proven carcinogenicity) or 1B (suspected carcinogenicity) carcinogens and mutagens, as well as substances classified in the same categories by their producers or importers. 

There are some basic rules that apply whenever carcinogenic substances are used in the workplace. Rules everyone should take into account, regardless of the job position one finds themselves in. Which measures to take is easy to remember: STOP keeps you safe! 

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