227 Protection of workers against carcinogenic fibre dusts – A Risk Management Option Analysis

Abstract

The adverse health effects of biopersistent fibrous dusts with critical morphology (length greater than 5 µm, diameter smaller than 3 µm and a length-to-diameter ratio of more than 3:1 (WHO fibre criterion)) are independent of their chemical composition. Due to these dimensions, such fibres are able to reach the deep lungs (alveoli and bronchioles) after inhalation and can cause fibrosis and cancer. A well-known example of the toxicity of fibres and their possible harmful effects is asbestos. Health hazards arising from the inhalation of biopersistent fibre dusts released from chemical substances, mixtures or from articles, will most likely not be identified in the chemical safety assessment under REACH, even if a substance is registered, as there is no obligation to provide information on the morphology and/ or form and biopersistence of the substance. The German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment have identified and evaluated regulatory approaches for the protection against carcinogenic fibre dusts by means of a risk management option analysis (RMOA). The RMOA discusses various options to address the concerns identified, including the introduction of additional risk management options within the framework of European chemical safety and occupational health. As a result of the RMOA a restriction under REACH was identified as the most appropriate approach for regulating fibrous materials and to enhance the protection of workers in the EU.