The Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) has issued opinions on the evaluation of occupational exposure limits (OELs) for asbestos, and cadmium and its inorganic compounds.

On asbestos, the opinion describes how the level of excess cancer risk depends on the concentration of mixed asbestos fibres in air (the exposure response relationship). This will support the Commission in the review of the current occupational exposure limit.

RAC noted that while the use of all asbestos fibre types is already banned in the EU and stringent control measures apply to asbestos removal work, occupational exposure may still occur, for example, during uncontrolled demolition or maintenance activities involving old asbestos products.