Rivers, lakes and coastal waters across the Netherlands and Europe are contaminated with PFAS chemicals, often exceeding legal safety limits.
Claudia Delpero reports for Dutch News.
In short:
- The European Environment Agency found widespread PFAS pollution, with 96% of Dutch water bodies exceeding PFOS limits.
- PFOS, banned in the EU for over a decade, continues to contaminate European waters, with Belgium, France and Iceland reporting 100% exceedance rates.
- The EU's goal of achieving "good chemical status" in waters by 2027 is threatened, as only 29% met this standard between 2015 and 2021.
Why this matters:
PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” are linked to cancer, fertility issues and other health risks. Despite regulations, their persistence and widespread presence in water supplies highlight the urgent need for stronger controls and pollution prevention.
Read more: WHO to withdraw PFAS water guidelines after accusations of corruption
