PFAS in the blood of all residents of the Netherlands
A new study conducted by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has shown that all residents of the Netherlands have different types of PFAS chemical substances in their blood, known as "forever chemicals," and that most of them exceed the allowed health limits.
The study was based on nearly 1,500 blood samples collected between 2016 and 2017, and it is the first comprehensive national assessment of exposure to PFAS. At least seven different types of these substances were found in almost all samples. PFAS refers to a group of about 4,000 chemical substances that do not break down in the environment and are used in products such as non-stick cookware coatings and water-resistant clothing. PFAS contamination is a growing problem in the Netherlands, where these substances are widespread in soil, food, and water, making avoidance nearly impossible.
RIVM clarified that exceeding the health limit does not necessarily mean immediate illness, but PFAS may weaken the immune system and affect human health depending on the amount and duration of exposure, as well as the individual's health condition. Special attention was given to analyzing blood samples from residents of areas near Dordrecht and the Westerschelde estuary, where factories released large amounts of PFAS into the environment. Elevated levels of PFOA were recorded in Dordrecht, while high concentrations of PFOS were found around Westerschelde.
The institute confirmed that these results support previous calculations from 2021 and 2023, which showed that the population is exposed to excessive amounts of PFAS through food and drinking water. Although these substances break down slowly, reducing exposure to them is essential to gradually lower their levels in the body. A journalistic investigation by Financieele Dagblad and Investico indicated that the cost of cleaning PFAS contamination in the Netherlands could reach billions of euros, due to the widespread presence of these substances at around 1000 sites. Last July, the government issued strict warnings against allowing children to play in sea foam on beaches, due to the possibility of it containing high concentrations of PFAS.
High levels of these substances have been detected in hobby-farmed chicken eggs, as well as in fish, shrimp, shellfish, and mussels caught from the Westerschelde estuary. At the end of last year, the minister responsible for the environment, Chris Jansen, announced to parliament that all types of PFAS would be included on the official Dutch list of 'highly hazardous' substances, and companies would be required to reduce their use and completely prevent their emissions.
If it is not possible to completely eliminate emissions, companies must prepare a plan every five years to gradually reduce them. PFAS have been listed as substances that pose a threat to human health and the environment due to their association with cancer and their impact on fertility. A proposal for a comprehensive European ban on all types of PFAS is currently being considered by the scientific committees of the European Union.