The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) says it has learned that the European Commission is looking at reducing the official occupational exposure limit for hardwood dust.
The TTF said the Commission had asked a consultant to make an evaluation of the current limit – 5mg/m³ – and that whether it could be lowered to 3mg/m³ or even 1mg/m³ to reduce health risks.
The consultant has reportedly stated that a new limit of 3mg/m³ would not be a problem.
Findings are to be discussed at an EU technical group meeting.
