Brussels hosts no sites where per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are produced, but the presence of these substances has been detected at eight locations in the region, Brussels Environment announced on Thursday.
Analyses carried out at 11 sites in the region showed the presence of PFAS in three sites at soil level and five at groundwater level, according to the department.
PFAS have been in the news in Flanders for several months, following major soil pollution found near the 3M company in Zwijndrecht, near Antwerp. Studies show that chronic exposure to these endocrine disruptors can have effects on the liver, lungs, hormone system, reproduction and development.
To find out to what extent Brussels, which does not have any production sites for these substances, is also affected, Brussels Environment conducted a measurement campaign at the end of 2022 at 11 sites whose current or past activities may have resulted in PFAS emissions.
These substances are easily dispersed and can therefore be found in the soil, sediments or water.
“Exceedances found do not necessarily imply a threat to health and the environment,” Brussels Environment said in a statement on Thursday. “In some cases, additional measures are needed to determine whether a risk exists.”
“A particular focus is on one of the sites, located in the immediate vicinity of homes, where groundwater is polluted by PFAS,” the Brussels-based environmental protection operator added.
It said it had informed the mayor of “the commune concerned,” and announced that it would organise a meeting with the local residents directly concerned to explain the situation, and request authorisation to carry out surveys on the properties.
