As of January 16, 2020, a new European Union Directive comes fully implemented all Member States that sets binding exposure limits to products classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Why is chrysotile not covered by a similar approach?The new Directive was adopted in December 2017 and Member States had two years to follow up with appropriate regulation. It covers known carcinogens or mutagens such as chromium VI compounds, wood dust, or silica, which is used in a wide range of everyday products – not unlike chrysotile until a few years ago. For all intents and purposes, the regulation replaces the voluntary social dialogue between employers and workers, which becomes a complement to the new rule.According to an old saying, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander: similar situations should be treated in similar ways. For the longest time and with unwavering determination, the ICA has been advocating the implementation of a limit exposure of 1f/cc as part of a comprehensive approach to chrysotile’s safe and controlled use. Its calls should be heard.» Read the study