Dutch Government Sued by Eleven Organizations Over PFAS Pollution

Eleven organizations in the Netherlands have filed a lawsuit against the Dutch government, alleging that it has failed to adequately protect citizens, animals, and the environment from the harmful effects of widespread PFAS contamination. The organizations, represented by the law firm Knoops' Advocaten, issued a subpoena against the Dutch state, demanding that it be found guilty of PFAS pollution and carry out a national health investigation.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of artificial compounds that have been widely used for decades in various products such as textiles, non-stick pans, and cosmetics due to their resistance to heat and water. However, these "forever chemicals" persist in the environment for a long time and have accumulated in nature and human bodies, posing serious risks.

The organizations suing the government include action group SchipholWatch, the union for defense personnel, unions of military personnel and volunteers from the fire brigade. They argue that the government has been aware of the dangers of PFAS contamination but has not taken sufficient action to tackle the problem.

The Dutch Health Council has stated that the government lacks sufficient data on chemical exposure levels in the population, as biomonitoring is only done occasionally in response to social unrest. The Dutch Safety Board has also ordered industrial companies like Tata Steel and Chemours to be more proactive in protecting local residents from their emissions.

Why this matters: This lawsuit, the first class action in the field of PFAS contamination holding the Dutch government accountable, highlights the growing concern over the widespread presence and potential health impacts of these persistent chemicals. The outcome could set a precedent for government responsibility in addressing PFAS pollution and protecting public health.

The organizations are seeking recognition of the government's responsibility for PFAS contamination, an obligation to clean up all contamination, and a national health inspection. They argue that the measures taken by the government so far have been "completely insufficient" and are invoking UN resolutions on human rights, including a recent one that recognizes a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a human right.

Key Takeaways

• 11 Dutch orgs sue govt over failure to address harmful PFAS contamination
• Govt accused of neglecting duty to protect citizens, animals, environment
• Lawsuit seeks recognition of govt responsibility, cleanup, and health inspection
• Lawsuit invokes UN resolutions on right to clean, healthy environment
• Outcome could set precedent for govt accountability on PFAS pollution