Blood of 400 Flemish adults to be tested for PFAS
The blood of 400 adults across Flanders will be tested for traces of PFAS this autumn. Flemish Public Health minister Hilde Crevits wants a better idea of the extent of PFAS contamination in the general adult population in Flanders, regardless of where they live.
The study comes in the wake of the 2021 scandal, in which chemical company 3M was found to have contaminated the soil around its Zwijndrecht plant with PFAS, toxic chemicals that can take thousands of years to break down. Some have been linked to health problems such as high cholesterol and various types of cancer.
Reference levels are needed to properly interpret and compare measurement data from areas with elevated PFAS levels. These values are needed to better understand how PFAS exposure in residents of affected areas compares to exposure in the general population.
Specifically, 400 adults aged 18 to 65 across Flanders will be tested for 22 PFAS compounds, including the 13 compounds measured in the large-scale blood survey around the 3M site in Zwijndrecht. Participants will also be asked about their knowledge and perceptions of PFAS and other substances of very high concern.
The survey will cost 661,000 euros and will be funded by the Flemish government's "polluter pays" remediation agreement with 3M. Initial results are expected by the end of 2026, with more detailed environmental health interpretations planned for autumn 2028.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS
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