A new study has found PFAS in the blood samples of residents living near the 3M plant in Antwerp. Roughly half of the participants had excessively high levels of four types of PFAS and all participants had some PFAS chemicals in their blood. 

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 10,000 highly persistent synthetic chemicals often called ‘forever chemicals’, because they do not break down easily in the environment. Exposure to some PFAS has been linked to adverse health impacts, such as the promotion of certain cancers such as kidney and testicular cancer, disruption of the immune system and reduced fertility.

The study, released by the Flemish government, collected blood samples from around 9,000 residents living within 5km of the 3M plant in Zwijndrecht, Antwerp. 2021 research revealed large-scale PFAS pollution in the area, including high concentrations of PFAS in the soil and water around the factory.

All residents within a 5km radius of the factory had been invited to participate. The samples were analysed for 13 types of PFAS. Participants also completed a questionnaire on possible routes of exposure, their lifestyle, and their health.

All participants were found to have some type of PFAS in their blood. Around half of participants aged 12 and over and one in five children had a combined PFAS concentration (for 4 of the most detected PFAS), which exceeded the European Food Safety Authority’s safety threshold.

Blood PFAS concentrations were generally higher in older participants and also in male participants.

While children generally had lower PFAS levels than adults, the PFAS exposure of mothers was a strong predictor for their child’s exposure, with breastfeeding being an important route of exposure. However, breastfeeding is still recommended for the other health benefits it brings.

The study also found a link between an increase in levels of PFOA (one type of PFAS) and increased chances of impaired thyroid function or impaired liver function. However, the study also recommends that further research is needed to understand the long-term health impacts.

Eating local eggs and fish, using local groundwater, living in the area for a long period of time and living closer to the factory were all associated with increased PFAS exposure.

The study recommended that residents should avoid eating local eggs and using groundwater for consumption or personal hygiene. Vulnerable residents should avoid eating locally grown vegetables, and children should avoid direct contact with soil and wash their hands regularly.

However, in CHEM Trust’s view, the burden to avoid PFAS should not be on residents, and stronger regulations are needed to properly protect people from the harmful impacts of toxic chemicals.

CHEM Trust supports the proposed EU universal Restriction on PFAS to provide protections for people and nature across Europe.

Read more on PFAS here.

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