European Chemicals Agency Seeks Evidence for Setting OELs for Lead, Diisocyanates
The European Chemicals Agency seeks evidence related to the scientific evaluation of health-based occupational exposure limits for lead and its compounds and for diisocyanates. ECHA intends to use the information it gathers on uses, exposure, health effects, toxicology, and epidemiology of these substances to help the agency draft its reports related to exposure limits in the workplace. ECHA’s calls for evidence provide opportunities for stakeholders to express their views and concerns while the agency is in the early phases of developing its scientific reports on OELs for lead and diisocyanates. The deadline for comments is June 30, 2019.
In January, ECHA announced that it will provide regular recommendations for OELs that protect workers exposed to hazardous chemicals. Under an agreement with the European Commission, ECHA will be required to assess four to five OELs per year beginning in 2020. The agency will prepare scientific dossiers proposing OEL values for chemicals under the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive, which sets maximum concentrations for cancer-causing chemicals in workplace air, and the Chemical Agents Directive, which covers risks related to chemical agents at work. According to ECHA’s press release, the new program of OEL development will focus on lead as its top priority.
More information about ECHA’s calls for comments and evidence concerning OELs is available on the agency’s website.