A23 HBM4EU Occupational Chromate Study – Policy questions on hexavalent chromium and objectives of the study

Cr(VI) compounds are authorised under Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) All companies using Cr(VI) compounds have to apply for authorization for their uses. The recent binding occupational limit value (BOELV) for Cr(VI) under EU Directive 2004/37/EC is 0.010 mg/m3 for a period of 5 years after the date of transposition of the directive; after that period, a limit of 0.005 mg/m3 will apply. There is a derogation for welding or plasma-cutting processes or similar work processes that generate fumes: the exposure limit value is 0.025 mg/m3 until 5 years after the transposition date and after that period the limit will be 0.005 mg/m3.