Eight hundred people, living within a three kilometer perimeter around the 3M factory site, are eligible for a blood test. They can now stand as candidates. These residents will have the opportunity to be tested over a period of approximately six weeks. The Provincial Institute for Hygiene is responsible for the blood tests, which should take place in the sports center in Zwijndrecht. Applicants must be at least 12 years old and the distribution is made according to age categories and the distance of residence from the factory site. Only one person per family can participate and priority is given to pregnant and breastfeeding women. These 800 people would correspond to about 7% of the population who live within a two-mile radius of the 3M factory.
“With these blood tests, we hope to learn more about the spread of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the region. We would also like to know to what extent residents have been exposed to these substances and whether they have accumulated. in the body “, explains the Flemish Minister for Welfare and Health (CD&V). “The blood tests will make it possible to evaluate the preventive measures and are also a preparation before a more in-depth bio-monitoring study, which started in the fall.”
The results of these blood tests do not provide an estimate of the health risk on an individual basis, although personal results are disclosed. The main objective of the tests is to provide additional information at the collective level. The results are expected in mid-October.
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