This Policy Brief provides information about the recently established ‘EU Observatory for Nanomaterials’, how it is being developed, its limitations and why it is not an ideal option. It suggests a different monitoring scenario, based on rules which would ensure transparency, improve the ability of... Find out more

This guide provides a comprehensive introduction to epigenetics, the emerging science of biological mechanisms in the DNA which can change our genetic activity without changing the genetic code itself. The knowledge of epigenetics is important for workers as it could lead to retrospective proof of... Find out more

The objective of this project is the identification of substances toxic to reproduction (in short: reprotoxins) which are relevant for workers’ exposure via inhalation at a considerable number of workplaces in Europe and, thus, for which an indicative occupational exposure limit value (IOELV) under... Find out more

The Internet and the use of portable computers, mobile phones and tablets have increased the importance of ‘new ways of work’. This work, which is place- and time-independent, can lead to more autonomy and greater flexibility for workers, but it also carries serious physical as well as psychosocial... Find out more

The ETUI has published a body of information on nanotechnologies over the years. This booklet on the production and use of nanomaterials in workplaces is a new addition. Nanomaterials are coming onto the market in a widening range of uses at a dizzying pace, but the impact on society is going... Find out more

This publication takes stock of scientific knowledge of the risks involved in occupational exposure to ionising radiation. It also gives non-experts insight into the key concepts on which radiation protection is based and how the different nuclear tragedies – from Hiroshima to Fukushima – have... Find out more

The European Union's (EU) nanotechnology strategy aims chiefly to catch up the lag behind the US and Asia. The health risks posed by the commercial use of nanomaterials have recently come onto the European Commission's agenda. The Commission has not so far seen a need for specific legislation to... Find out more

The ETUI has recently published a guide showing 15 methods for evaluating and preventing the risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace. The methods are classified into three categories depending on the skills needed to use them: detection – analysis – expertise. Through this... Find out more

On 13 July, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) releases the updated version of its Priority List of chemical substances of very high concern. The version 2.0 includes 334 substances or group of substances ordered by priority, this represents 29 new entries compared to the first version... Find out more

The contract cleaning industry is a microcosm of the worst health impacts of changing working conditions over the last thirty years. Find out more