PFAS in the blood: research shows widespread pollution in the Netherlands

23.01.2025 | Fundamental right

PFAS in the blood: research shows widespread pollution in the Netherlands

Not only residents of Chemours are at risk

PFAS is everywhere. A recent signal study of foundation Antidote.nl reveals that people in all Dutch provinces have PFAS in their bloodThe chemicals, which hardly break down and accumulate in humans and the environment, pose a growing health risk. Even PFOA, a substance that Chemours had not produced for many years, was found in all test subjects.

PFAS in the blood: What does the research reveal?

Anti-Gif Foundation investigated 13 participants spread across the Netherlands and discovered that everyone PFAS in his or her blood. This is worrying because:

• In Sliedrecht, near the Chemours plant, had Joop Keesmaat and Kees van der Hel extremely high PFAS levels. Their exposure is directly linked to Chemours' long-term PFAS emissions.
• Also in other provinces, such as Gelderland and Flevoland, PFAS values were found in some participants above the health limit measured.
• According to Antidote Director Annelies den Boer isn't this a local problem: “PFAS is everywhere. It enters our bodies through food, drinking water and consumer products.”

Why is PFAS dangerous?

PFAS are associated with serious health risks. Because these substances accumulate in our bodies, they can contribute to:

• Cancer
• Hormone disruption
• Damage to the immune system
• Liver and kidney problems

The toxic substances are in non-stick pans, water-repellent clothing, food packaging, fire-fighting foam, food and drinking water, which means that almost everyone is exposed to it.

PFAS is not only from Chemours

Although Chemours was a major source of PFAS emissions for years, the study shows that PFAS pollution is much more widely distributed.

Aviation & Firefighting Foam
PFAS is widely used in airports and military bases, which means it ends up in the soil and groundwater.

Food & Drinking Water
PFAS is found in food packaging, and traces can even be present in drinking water.

Consumer products
Think of non-stick pans, water-repellent jackets and cosmetics – everyday products that unknowingly contain PFAS.

Plea for stricter regulations

According to Professor Majorie van Duursen (VU Amsterdam) this research proves the need for a national biomonitoring program: “We need to structurally measure how much PFAS people have in their blood, so that we better understand exposure and health risks.”

Political pressure is increasing
The Limburg Member of Parliament Geert Gabriëls (GreenLeft-PvdA), who got himself tested, advocates a strict approach: “If companies do not innovate, the government must intervene and phase out PFAS.”

What does Chemours do?

Chemours claims to want to reduce emissions by 99% and says it is investing in new technologies. But for action groups such as Health before all isn't that enough. Joop Keesmaat warns:“PFAS is harmful. If we do nothing now, we will create an even bigger problem for future generations.”His call? Chemours must stop emissions. The environment must be cleaned up. The government must act.

What can you do to avoid PFAS?

Want to reduce PFAS in your daily life? Here are some steps you can take:

• Avoid products containing PFAS, such as non-stick pans and water-repellent clothing.
• Drink filtered water to reduce potential PFAS contamination.
• Support action groups such as Tegengif.nl, which is committed to a PFAS-free Netherlands.

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