More than 2 million workers in many different sectors across Europe will be covered by the first European multisector agreement to be signed today. It will protect workers exposed to crystalline silica dust, which can lead to silicosis, a potentially fatal lung condition. Silicosis is also linked to other dangerous lung conditions, such as emphysema and lung cancer. Today's agreement aims to reduce workers' exposure to crystalline silica dust through good practice in the workplace. It will be signed by the social partners (trades unions and employers' representatives) in the presence of EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Vladimír Špidla.

Crystalline silica is a mineral which accounts for around 12% of the Earth's crust and is widely used in activities such as blasting, bagging and mixing materials, grinding and spray glazing. Inhaling respirable crystalline silica can lead to silicosis. Workers in most sectors involved in use of silica crystalline will be covered by today's agreement. These include aggregates, extractive industries, cement, foundries, glass industry, ceramic industry, industrial minerals, mineral wool, natural stone industry, mortar, pre-cast concrete and metalliferous minerals. Ancillary activities related to these sectors, such as handling of materials, storage and transport are also covered by the agreement.

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PTRC is a registered voluntary organization working on the issue of Occupational Safety and Health. It was registered in 1992 under Societies Registration Act and Bombay Public Trust Act. It is also Registered under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.