EU approves new rules on hazardous substances at work
Exposure limits and welding fumes covered by the revised directive; publication and national transposition still matter.
On 19 October 2026, the Council of the EU adopted the revision of the directive on carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic substances at work.
It provides occupational exposure limits for cobalt and its inorganic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 1,4-dioxane and isoprene. Work involving exposure to welding fumes containing substances within the relevant classifications is also added.
When it applies
The legislative text specifies entry into force on the 20th day after publication in the EU Official Journal, with two years for national transposition. Today's adoption does not mean that Greek exposure limits have already changed.
The text includes transitional arrangements by substance and sector. A specific obligation requires checking the final publication and national implementing measures, rather than applying one timetable to every workplace.
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