PFAS
19.02.2025: The focus on PFAS pollution around the Chemours plant in Dordrecht is often on PFOA and GenX, but recent research shows that even more harmful PFAS compounds are present in surface water. Environmental chemist Chiel Jonker of Utrecht University discovered six additional PFAS species in concentrations that are higher than would be expected based on discharges via surface water. According to him, two of these substances, PFNA and PFDA, are even ten times more toxic than PFOA.
Jonker bases his findings on measurements by the Rivierenland and Hollandse Delta water boards in waters around Dordrecht and the Alblasserwaard. As expected, the concentrations of PFOA and GenX are high, as Chemours emitted large quantities of PFOA into the air until 2012 and then switched to GenX. What is striking is that, in addition to these substances, other PFAS compounds are also found in significant quantities. Chemours received a permit for the emission of these substances in 2021 after the company determined that they were being released into the air, according to environmental service DCMR. However, Jonker suspects that these emissions have been taking place for much longer, given the high concentrations that are now being measured.
PFAS hardly break down and therefore remain present in the environment for a long time. Although the permitted discharge quantities have been drastically reduced over the years – from tons per year to a few kilograms – the impact on people and nature remains significant. The harmful effects of PFAS on health have been known for some time. They can weaken the immune system and are linked to various diseases, including cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently officially classified PFOA as a class 1 carcinogen, the highest risk category. This means that there is convincing scientific evidence that PFOA causes cancer in humans.
According to Jonker, the six newly discovered PFAS compounds most likely originate from Chemours, although he cannot determine this with absolute certainty. In recent years, analysis techniques for PFAS have improved significantly, allowing substances that previously remained under the radar to be detected. The latest permit that Chemours saw partially come into effect earlier this month obliges the company to research new measurement methods for PFAS and apply them to its own emissions.
Jonker's research also shows that it is not only the area around Dordrecht that is struggling with increased PFAS concentrations. Throughout the Netherlands, at least 170 locations have been identified where the level of PFAS in surface water is unexpectedly high. Not all of this pollution can be attributed to Chemours. The company itself states that it is one of the few companies that actively strives to minimize discharges and emissions and points out that PFAS can come from numerous sources, both inside and outside the Netherlands.
The findings raise concerns among local governments. Dordrecht environmental councillor Tanja de Jonge (GroenLinks) emphasises the importance of insight into the sources and distribution of PFAS in order to better combat pollution. She advocates a continuous monitoring system that maps which substances are emitted and discharged. According to her, such a system would not only help to detect environmental pollution at an early stage, but would also facilitate enforcement of environmental regulations by supervisors.
The research by Utrecht University will be continued in 2025 in collaboration with Rijkswaterstaat, the water boards and environmental services. The aim is to use more up-to-date data to better map the spread of PFAS and to assign responsibilities to the right companies. Based on these insights, measures can be taken to prevent further contamination.
Chemours has been under fire for some time now for the emission of harmful substances. It recently came to light that the company was discharging tetrafluoropropanoic acid into the wastewater without a permit. In early February, the DCMR environmental service threatened a penalty of up to 3.75 million euros if Chemours did not stop this illegal discharge within two months.
Since the end of last year, all Dutch companies that emit PFAS are required to make plans to reduce their emissions. The more than ten thousand different PFAS compounds – which are used in food packaging, clothing, pans and medical devices, among other things – are now on the list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). Substances on this list are considered dangerous to humans and the environment, because they can be carcinogenic or harmful to reproduction. The new research results make it clear once again that stricter control and enforcement are necessary to limit the impact of PFAS pollution.
Source:
https://www.ad.nl/dordrecht/onderzoeker-schrikt-van-onverwacht-hoge-concentraties-andere-pfas-in-water-rondom-chemours~a7d13a99/