6. Hazardous substances


Key changes and developments since last year


• In May 2016, the European Commission announced proposed changes to the Carcinogens and Mutagens directive to limit workplace exposure to 13 cancer-causing chemicals by including new or amended limit values;


• In December 2015, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that the European Commission breached European Union (EU) law when it failed to adopt criteria for testing endocrine chemical disrupters or EDCs;


• The general Unite union has published new guidance on welding fumes;


• Unite has called for a full-scale public inquiry into ‘aerotoxic syndrome’ after outbreaks of sickness among cabin staff caused several planes to turn back in early 2016;


• In January 2016, the government announced that the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme Levy 2015/16 would be reduced to £23.2m from £32m in 2014/2015;


• A cross party group of MPs has called for an asbestos eradication law.