8199475 Advancing occupational health in poland: new oels and regulatory updates for hazardous chemicals

<h3>Objective</h3> In Poland, the number of chemical substances subject to Maximum Allowable Concentrations is 587. Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) for chemicals are critical to mitigating health risks, especially those related to carcinogens, mutagens, and reproductive toxicants. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> A key initiative, the multi-annual program, titled ‘Development of Documentation for Occupational Exposure Limits for 30 Chemicals Harmful to Health, Including Carcinogens,’ has played a significant role in shaping the regulatory framework. In 2024 the documentation was developed for OELs for 10 chemicals. New chemicals addressed by the research include: lithium and lithium compounds, integral to electric vehicle battery production; perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), found in manufacturing processes like textile treatments; and terephthalic acid, widely used in polyester and plastic production. These substances, previously unregulated in Poland, were prioritized for the establishment of OELs, driven by their prevalence in key industries and their potential health risks. The research also revisited the OELs for six chemicals, including methylhydrazine, lead and its inorganic compounds, and 1,2-dichloropropane, adjusting the values based on the latest scientific evidence and EU regulations. <h3>Results</h3> Significant changes were made to the OELs in 2024: for lead and its inorganic compounds, OELs were reduced following updated EU regulations due to the ongoing health risks associated with lead exposure; for diisocyanates, OELs were revised for the NCO group, broadening the scope from individual diisocyanates to include a wider range of compounds; and for benzydine, a non-zero OEL was established for benzydine and its salts, a major step toward better exposure management. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This work ensures that Poland remains a leader in occupational health protection, particularly in industries handling chemicals with significant health risks. The revised standards will provide better guidance for employers and workers, contributing to the creation of safer work environments.