As of 2 April 2026, new standards concerning asbestos entered into force:

1. The maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of asbestos fibres in workplace air has been reduced tenfold – from 0.1 to 0.01 fibres/cm³.
2. A requirement has been introduced to accurately identify and designate six specific types of asbestos fibres in the workplace: chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite.

The changes result from the amended wording of the Regulation of 12 June 2018 on maximum allowable concentrations and intensities of factors harmful to health in the working environment.

As of 28 May 2026, new standards concerning lead also entered into force:

1. The maximum allowable concentration of lead and its inorganic compounds (expressed as Pb) has been reduced from 0.05 mg/m³ to 0.03 mg/m³.
2. The allowable concentration of lead in biological material (in employees’ blood) has been reduced from 50 µg Pb/100 ml of blood to 30 µg Pb/100 ml of blood.
3. Lead has been classified more strictly as a non-threshold reprotoxic substance (harmful to reproduction).

The changes result from the amended wording of the Regulation of 30 December 2004 on occupational health and safety in relation to the presence of chemical agents in the workplace.

Companies existing at the time the amendments entered into force must adapt their operations to the new standards by 1 January 2029. New companies must comply with the standards from the date on which they commence operations.

Find more articles in PRO HR August 2026