New regulations in Poland, effective April 2026, will significantly lower permissible exposure limits for hazardous substances like asbestos, lead, and diisocyanates, aligning with EU directives.
New Workplace Hazard Limits from April 2026: Asbestos Standards Reduced Tenfold
New limits for hazardous substances in the workplace will take effect in April 2026, with asbestos standards decreasing tenfold. Polish regulations are being adjusted to comply with EU directives, requiring industries such as metallurgy, chemicals, automotive, and construction to implement modern monitoring, strict worker protection, and occupational health and safety training.
Key Changes to Occupational Health and Safety Regulations in 2026
A regulation from the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy, dated March 26, 2026, introduces changes to permissible concentrations and levels of harmful factors in the work environment. The regulation aligns Polish regulations with EU requirements (EU directives 2023/2668 and 2024/869), increasing worker safety.
Asbestos 2026: New, Extremely Strict Limits and Total Workplace Control
As of April 2, 2026, a regulation will radically tighten regulations regarding asbestos in the workplace. Exposure limits have been reduced tenfold, and workplace environment control will become laboratory-grade.
Key Changes in Asbestos Protection
The changes include a drastic reduction in exposure limits (NDS), a new era of measurement technology, and precise asbestos classification. A transition period is in place until December 20, 2029.
Lead Exposure in the Workplace – A Threat to Fertility
Lead and its inorganic compounds are reprotoxic substances. Experts warn that contact with these compounds can lower fertility in both men and women, and also affect proper fetal development. According to EU regulations (CLP and directive 2004/37/WE), they are recognized as substances of the highest risk category for reproductive health. In 2026, compliance with exposure limits and the use of personal protective equipment will be the responsibility of every employer.
New Biological Norms for Lead Exposure by 2029
Until April 8, 2026, the permissible lead content in employees’ blood is 50 μg Pb/100 ml. According to the new regulations, from April 9, this value will gradually decrease: to a maximum of 30 μg Pb/100 ml by December 31, 2028, and to only 15 μg Pb/100 ml from January 1, 2029. These changes result from the implementation of EU directive 2024/869 and aim for even better protection of workers exposed to lead in the work environment.
Increased Health Monitoring for Lead Exposure
New regulations will tighten health control of workers exposed to lead. If the lead level in the blood exceeds 30 μg Pb/100 ml, the worker will be placed under permanent medical supervision, and the occupational medicine doctor will monitor until the concentration returns to a safe level.
Impact on Industries
The changes will most affect workers in industries such as metallurgy, smelting, chemicals, automotive, metal products manufacturing, and the arms industry – where direct contact with lead occurs.
New Limits for Diisocyanates in the Workplace from April 2026
Stricter standards for diisocyanates, chemicals used in industries such as automotive, chemical production, and foam manufacturing, will come into effect on April 9, 2026. The new limits aim to protect workers from allergies and respiratory diseases.
Key Workplace Values and Transition Period
The limits apply during a transition period of April 9, 2026 – December 31, 2028, giving companies time to adjust air measurements, ventilation, and personal protective equipment. After this time, the standards may be further tightened.
Diisocyanates and Worker Health
Diisocyanates are strongly sensitizing and can cause asthma or respiratory irritation. The new limits require stringent measures.
