Title: Netherlands Citizens Strongly Support Actions Against PFAS Pollution
Date: September 9, 2024
Source: NL Times
Lead: A comprehensive survey conducted by Ipsos I&O on behalf of the AD newspaper reveals that nearly all Dutch citizens are in favor of measures to combat pollution caused by per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Summary:
– The poll, which included 1,645 Dutch residents, indicates that roughly nine out of ten people believe action is necessary to tackle PFAS pollution.
– Citizens in Dordrecht and surrounding areas are particularly concerned about the health risks posed by PFAS, with 23% expressing very high concern, compared to 7% across the rest of the Netherlands.
– The Chemours factory in Dordrecht, the sole PFAS-producing facility in the Netherlands, has been identified as a major source of concern.
– A significant number of Dordrecht residents are taking precautions to minimize their exposure to PFAS, such as reducing consumption of eggs from private chickens (59%), swimming less in natural areas (58%), and avoiding vegetables and fruit from home gardens (49%).
– Nationally, around 60% of respondents support measures like stricter production rules, development of alternatives, and enhanced water and company inspections.
– A notable 37% of Dordrecht residents support closing the Chemours factory, while only 23% of those in other areas believe this to be an appropriate measure.
– A general ban on PFAS is supported by 46% of Dordrecht residents and 38% of the rest of the country.
– PFAS, which are nearly indestructible and have been associated with cancer, high cholesterol, and reproductive issues, are a major environmental and health concern.
Additional Information:
– The Ipsos I&O research panel included 504 residents from the Dordrecht region, which provided specific insights into the local response to PFAS pollution.
– The findings were published in the NL Times and were reported by ANP.
Conclusion:
The survey underscores the growing public awareness and urgency in the Netherlands to address PFAS pollution, with strong support for action at both the local and national levels. The findings are significant as they reflect a widespread call for change and further highlight the need for robust measures to mitigate the risks associated with PFAS exposure.
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