The results of blood samples taken from almost 9,000 people that live within a 5km radius of the 3M chemical plant at Zwijndrecht, just outside Antwerp show that half of them have excess levels of PFAS in their blood. The results of the study were presented by the Flemish Care and Health Agency on Tuesday.
Residents that live near to the 3M chemical plant in Zwijndrecht still have high PFAS levels in their blood
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One in two of adults tested was found to have elevated concentrations of PFAS in their blood. The most prevalent form of PFAS found in local people’s blood were PFOS. Of the children test one in five were found to have higher than normal PFAS concentrations in their blood. Those that live closer to the 3M plant have on average more PFAS in their blood than those who live further away.
People with high PFAS levels in their blood are more likely to suffer from thyroid or liver problems. Although the Flemish Care and Health Agency considers the PFAS levels to be too high and is concerned, it does not wish to dramatise the situation. After all, the European standards for PFAS are very strict. Nevertheless, the scientists say that further research is necessary.
Meanwhile, the measures taken and recommendations made remain: Don't eat eggs from chickens reared in the area, wash your hands and don't let children play on uncovered soil.
PFAS and PFOS
Perfluoro octane sulfonic acid (anion perfluoro octane sulfonate or PFOS for short) is a chemical compound from the perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds group (PFAS). The product was mainly used to impregnate materials such as textiles, carpets and paper to make them grease-, oil- and water-resistant.
It was also used in chrome plating, for the impregnation of cooking utensils (e.g. pans), in analogue photography, in older fire extinguishing foams (AFFF), in cosmetic products and in hydraulic fluids for the aerospace industry.
In October 2006, the European Parliament decided to restrict the use of PFOS. In 2009, the Stockholm Convention decided to include PFOS in the Convention on Restricted Substances. The biggest problem with this PFOS is the fact that it does not degrade naturally. This applies to all PFAS substances which is why they are often referred to as “forever chemicals”. There are around 6,000 different forms and compounds of PFAS.