Residents bring PFAS pollution claim against Chemours in the Netherlands

Stichting PFAS Vrij Green Claim says it has brought the civil case on behalf of about 550,000 residents in the region around the factory in Dordrecht. That figure is the estimated population of the 12 municipalities covered by the claim, not the number of people who have signed up.

The foundation says many thousands have joined, but has not disclosed an exact number. It wants a court to find Chemours liable for PFAS pollution and resulting damage, order it to stop all PFAS emissions as soon as possible, and establish a compensation scheme for affected residents. It is also seeking financial penalties if the company delays stopping emissions.

The foundation alleges that decades of emissions from the factory have contaminated air, soil and water and exposed residents to PFAS. Local broadcaster RTV Dordrecht has reported high levels of the chemicals in waterways and soil around the site.

PFAS are a group of chemicals used in products including non-stick cookware. They break down slowly in the environment, and some have been linked to health problems including cancer and fertility problems. In September, Dutch doctors and health groups called on the government to ban PFAS discharges and support a Europe-wide ban.

Chemours told RTV Dordrecht it would study the legal claim carefully and was not yet responding to its substance. The company said it took residents’ concerns seriously and had made substantial progress in reducing emissions in recent years.