EU tackles handling of dangerous workplace chemicals

MENTION chemicals and people tend to think of smoking chimneys and foul smells. But few think of the hairdressers, mechanics, printers and other ordinary workers whose work brings them into very close contact with dangerous substances.

The past few days have seen a major focus on chemicals by the European Commission. First a radical plan to change the way chemicals are tested and approved for use was unveiled by the commissioners responsible for environment and for enterprise.

And yesterday some startling facts about dangerous workplace substances were revealed by the Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner, Anna Diamantopolou. For instance 32 million workers in the EU are exposed to potentially lethal agents.