In 2024, the European Commission issued the Critical Raw Material Act (CRMA) in order to establish “a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU)”. Included in this list of critical and strategic raw materials are Cobalt, Nickel compounds and Beryllium amongst others, being carcinogenic substances.
Critical raw materials are needed for the green and digital transitions as well as for defence and space. The aim of the CRMA is “to enhance our long-term competitiveness” and “to maintain our open strategic autonomy in a fast-changing and increasingly challenging geopolitical environment.” The 2030 benchmarks settings:
- EU extraction: At least 10% of the EU’s annual consumption for extraction
- EU processing: At least 40% of the EU’s annual consumption for processing
- EU recycling: At least 15% of the EU’s annual consumption for recycling
- External sources: Not more than 65% of the EU’s annual consumption of each strategic raw material at any relevant stage of processing from a single third country
(source: factsheet European Critical Raw Materials Act – European Commission)
Handle with care
These goals imply a continued handling and processing of carcinogenic substances in the complete life cycle. Nickel compounds are carcinogenic category 1A (carcinogenic to humans), Cobalt and Cobalt compounds as well as Beryllium and Beryllium compounds are carcinogenic category 1B (probably carcinogenic to humans ). We cover those substances with our FactSheets because they are at the same time of high relevance in European workplaces. Limit values for Nickel compounds and Beryllium and Beryllium compounds are already established and the value for Cobalt and Cobalt compounds is on the way. If managed with the adequate risk reduction measures according to the results of the risk assessment, the carcinogenic properties can be controlled.
If these substances occur in the working environment, for example when collecting, recycling or processing, the following measures must be taken:
- The exposure should be reduced through engineering controls (e. g. use in close systems, local exhaust ventilation where emissions can occur).
- Only use vacuum or wet cleaning of equipment and work floor surfaces (machines, floor).
- Continuously carry out correct exposure measurements so that it is known when action should be taken.
- Investigate whether workers report any symptoms.
- Make workers continuously aware of the effects of exposure.
- Train workers on hazards, safe work practices and on effective hygiene measures.
- Supplement this with personal protective equipment where feasible controls are not sufficient to reduce exposures below the exposure limits.
- It is recommended to involve an occupational physician.
More specific information about these substances can be found in the factsheets:
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