The revision sets occupational exposure limits for cobalt and its inorganic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 1,4-dioxane and isoprene. Welding fumes are added to the annex listing certain substances, mixtures and processes.
According to the Council, member states will have two years from entry into force to transpose the rules into national law. EU adoption therefore does not mean that all national provisions are already being applied.
The Council estimates that the revision could prevent around 1,700 lung cancers and 19,000 other illnesses over forty years. These figures describe expected benefits, rather than health outcomes already observed.