To judge risks in using carcinogenic compounds without threshold level, REACH allows applying qualitative methods to assess the likelihood of effects. In the "Guidance on information requirements and chemical safety assessment Chapter R.8: Characterisation of dose [concentration]-response for human health" the Derived Minimal Effect Level (DMEL) is described as an assessment tool for this purpose. It has appeared that there is a need for a European consensus on how DMELs can be more effectively used.

To further develop the discussion on this issue, the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) organized a workshop to initiate a more in depth discussion and the development of a common view on this matter. Objectives of this workshop were:

1. Evaluate the use of DMEL/risk relationships in recent registration dossiers.
2. Discuss DMEL/risk relationships that will be acceptable to all Member States.
3. Exchange views on possible integration of risk considerations into national regulations for occupational health, using the German "traffic light model" as an example.
4. Agree on the framework for a recommendation on behalf of MSCAs to DG Employment on which risk levels should be considered acceptable

This workshop took place on May 17th at the BAuA in Dortmund. About 50 people from eleven EU member states attended. They represented the respective MSCAs, but also industry, industry associations, trade unions and the EU General Directorates for Employment, Entreprises and Environment.

The presentations from this workshop are now available.