Article 2
Directive 2004/37/EC is amended as follows: (1) in Article 2(1), point (b) is replaced by the following: ‘(b) “mutagen” means: (i) a substance or mixture which meets the criteria for classification as a category 1A or 1B germ cell mutagen set out in Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008; (ii) a substance, mixture or process referred to in Annex I to this Directive as well as a substance or mixture released by a process referred to in that Annex;’; (2) Article 18a is amended as follows: (a) the first to seventh paragraphs are numbered 1 to 7; (b) the following paragraphs are added: ‘8. No later than 30 June 2024, the Commission shall initiate an assessment of the effects of exposure to a combination of substances with a view to preparing Union guidelines thereon where appropriate. The Commission shall take into account the latest developments in scientific knowledge, the opinion of the Committee for Risk Assessment of the European Chemicals Agency established by Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( *1 ) , the opinion of the ACSH and the best practices in the Member States, and shall conduct appropriate consultations of relevant stakeholders. Those guidelines shall be published on the EU-OSHA website and disseminated in all Member States by the relevant competent authorities. 9. No later than 9 April 2026, the Commission shall initiate the procedure to obtain a scientific assessment of endocrine disruptors that can affect the health and safety of workers, with a view to evaluating the appropriateness of including them within the scope of this Directive in order to better protect the health and safety of workers. Where appropriate the Commission shall, after consulting the ACSH, submit a legislative proposal. 10. In the context of its evaluation pursuant to Article 17a(4) of Directive 89/391/EEC, the Commission shall, no later than 9 April 2029, assess the occupational limit values for lead and its inorganic compounds. Where appropriate, the Commission shall, taking into account the latest developments in scientific knowledge and after consulting the ACSH, submit a legislative proposal to amend those limit values. 11. No later than 9 April 2026, the Commission shall, after appropriate consultation of relevant stakeholders, draw up Union guidelines for health surveillance, including biological monitoring. Those guidelines shall include advice on the implementation of provisions regarding blood lead level, taking into account the slow removal of lead from the body and the special protection of female workers of childbearing age. ( *1 ) Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency, amending Directive 1999/45/EC and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1488/94 as well as Council Directive 76/769/EEC and Commission Directives 91/155/EEC, 93/67/EEC, 93/105/EC and 2000/21/EC ( OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1 ).’;" (3) Annexes I, III and IIIa to Directive 2004/37/EC are amended in accordance with Annex II to this Directive.