Success as MEPs vote for changes in cancer directive


The European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) says the first victory in the fight against occupational cancer has been won in the European Parliament.


Last month, MEPs voted in favour of a series of amendments to the European Commission’s proposals on changes to the carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) and mutagens (substances causing genetic damage) directive. 


Particularly important, says the ETUI, is an amendment concerning “reprotoxics” which MEPs believe should be covered by the directive. Millions of workers are exposed to these substances, which reduce fertility, cause miscarriage and birth defects and result in serious health problems for children, including childhood cancers. 


MEPS also voted for lower occupational exposure limits (OELs) for crystalline silica, wood dusts and chromium (VI) than those proposed by the Commission and industry.


“The vote is merely one step on the long journey towards adoption of a directive which will allow many more thousands of lives to be saved each year than the minimalist proposals put forward by the Commission,” reported the ETUI. 


“Even if we do end up leaving the EU ... you would hope that this will change international standards and therefore lead to UK compliance,” said Dan Shears, national officer for health and safety at the GMB general union. “On the other hand, the UK has a fairly poor track record of keeping up with advancements and changes to occupational exposure standards so it is a bit of mixed picture.”

www.etui.org/News/First-victory-in-the-fight-against-occupational-cancers