The following message is from the Cobalt Institute.
We would like to inform you that the European Commission has published the occupational exposure limit values for cobalt and cobalt compounds, proposing the following values:
- limit values of 10 µg Co/m3(inhalable) and 2.5 µg Co/m3 (respirable) after six years of transition period at 20 µg Co/m3 (inhalable) and 4.2 µg Co/m3 (respirable).
The values are a big concern for the cobalt industry in Europe. Setting the cobalt OEL values this low could endanger whole operations in Europe working with cobalt with severe impact on the wider value chain. The proposed values can jeopardize Europe’s strategic autonomy and its ability to meet the critical raw material targets.
Throughout the process, Cobalt Institute has advocated for maintaining a 20 µg Co/m3 (inhalable) and 4.2 µg Co/m3 (respirable) as we have scientific and socio-economic evidence that showcase that those values will protect workers and let industry operate in Europe and we will continue to do so.
Important Industry Engagement Opportunity
Public Consultation: Open until 21 October
The European Commission opened a public consultation on the cobalt occupational exposure limit.
- We strongly encourage all companies to submit their views and demonstrate the industry impact of the proposed limits.
- Now is the crucial moment to be vocal on the topic as industry.
Cobalt Institute will organise a webinar and share proposed messaging with industry in due course.
Author: Andy Cormack
