The PFOS file in a nutshell
The soil in a large area around the 3M factory in Zwijndrecht contains extremely high concentrations of PFOS, far above the permitted standard. PFOS is a chemical waste that can be dangerous if you are exposed to it for a long time. The pollution was uncovered during the works on the Oosterweel connection.
The pollution around Zwijndrecht was already known, but the criticism is that it took too long for the different political levels to realize how big the problem was. After political squabbles within the Flemish government, it was decided last week to start a parliamentary inquiry committee. He must now investigate why and with whom communication about the file stopped, and how it is possible that the population was not informed about the pollution.
Measures have been taken in recent days in areas near polluted zones. For example, people are advised not to use or eat home-grown vegetables, eggs from their own chickens and groundwater.
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