EU Declares Welding Fumes Carcinogenic

The European Commission has officially classified welding fumes as carcinogenic by adding them to Annex I of the Carcinogens Directive. This regulatory update highlights the serious health risks welders face, especially when working with materials containing substances like chromium (VI) or nickel. The decision reflects longstanding scientific evidence but now carries the force of law, signaling a renewed commitment to protecting workers in the welding industry.

𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲-𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆💥 | European Welding Association ( EWA)

𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲-𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆💥 The European Commission has officially included welding fumes in Annex I of the Carcinogens Directive - a move that underlines the health risks of exposure and the need for protective measures, especially when substances like chromium (VI) or nickel are present. While the inclusion reflects existing scientific understanding, it marks a clear political signal: 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 - and so does worker safety. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀: 🔹 Exposure limits for cobalt, PAHs & 1,4-dioxane 🔹 Mandatory safety measures for welding fume exposure 🔹 Up to €1.16B in healthcare savings 🔹 Thousands of lives potentially saved At the European Welding Association, we welcome this development and remain committed to driving safety, innovation and advocacy for our industry. 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼 & 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹:🔗 https://lnkd.in/dXYDfk-5 #welding #workersafety #CMRD #EWA #europeancommission

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New exposure limits have been established for substances such as cobalt, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and 1,4-dioxane, which are often present in welding fumes. Employers will now be required to implement strict safety measures to reduce exposure, ranging from improved ventilation to more effective personal protective equipment. These requirements are expected to reshape safety protocols across workshops and construction sites in Europe.

The European Commission estimates that these changes could lead to up to €1.16 billion in healthcare savings and prevent thousands of cases of cancer and other chronic illnesses linked to welding fume exposure. For welders, this represents not just a regulatory shift but a significant step toward healthier and longer careers in the trade.

Industry organizations like the European Welding Association have expressed support for the directive, emphasizing the importance of continuous advocacy and innovation to keep welders safe. The new rules underline that welding fume exposure is not just a workplace nuisance but a critical health hazard requiring decisive action.

Source:

Commission improves protection of workers with new chemical exposure limits

The European Commission has proposed strengthened protections for workers against hazardous chemicals. This is expected to prevent about 1,700 lung cancer cases and 19,000 other illnesses, including restrictive lung disease and damage to the liver and kidneys, over the next 40 years.

European Commission - European Commission