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Brussels The EU Commission is initiating proceedings against Germany because of a failure to implement an EU directive on occupational safety. The directive is specifically about taking stronger action against the dangers posed by carcinogenic substances, according to information from the Brussels authority today. Germany and eleven other EU countries now have two months to respond to the allegations.

To protect against cancer in the workplace, the EU agreed at the end of 2021 to adjust or introduce new limit values ​​for three substances suspected of causing cancer. This affects acrylonitrile, which is found in adhesives and solvents, nickel compounds, which are present in many industrial and consumer goods, and benzene, which is also used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and plastics and is contained in gasoline.

The new rules are intended to reduce the risk of millions of workers being exposed to carcinogenic chemicals. The basis was a proposal by the EU Commission in September 2020 to revise the EU directive on carcinogens and mutagens, i.e. substances that can promote the development of cancer. The project was part of the European plan to combat cancer.

If Germany and the other countries fail to overcome the Commission’s reservations, the authority can press ahead with the procedure. These so-called infringement procedures can end with a lawsuit before the European Court of Justice and a fine. © dpa/aerzteblatt.de