RIVM suspects there are still hidden "industrial sources" causing PFAS discharges

Wastewater contains elevated PFAS concentrations in various places in the Netherlands without it being clear where these substances come from, researchers from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) have said after researching sewage water. They are assuming that “there must still be unknown industrial sources” causing PFAS discharges. “Further research is needed to determine this.”

In the laboratory, various compounds were measured "that indicate the presence of an additional source.” This was shown in samples of wastewater taken at sewage treatment plants in Bath (Zeeland) and Amersfoort.

In other areas, it has been known for a longer period that sewage water contains increased concentrations of chemical substances. One of the locations that this pertains to is the Kralingseveer location in Capelle aan den IJssel. This location receives a lot of industrial sewage water and is relatively close to the “PFAS-hotspot,” in Dordrecht, where the chemical company Chemours has a large factory.

The Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (ILT) is going to use the results of this research to improve its tracking down of PFAS discharges.

PFAS is a collective name for thousands of man-made chemical substances that are water, grease, and dirt-repellent. Several variants have been shown to cause health damage, while others are suspected of doing so. Studies indicate that PFAS causes damage to the immune system and the development of unborn children when exposed to a certain amount. There are also indications that some PFAS variants may be carcinogenic. The substances are also harmful to the environment.

There is also a small amount of PFAS in drinking water. It has been determined that PFAS concentrations are higher in drinking water made from surface water than in drinking water made from groundwater.