Talkshow: "We are collectively addicted to PFAS"
Did you know that virtually everyone has PFAS in their blood? You too. And newborn babies. PFAS is a large group of man-made chemicals that do not break down and accumulate in nature and in our bodies. How harmful are these substances? And why haven't they been banned yet? We discuss this in Science & Society. With this episode at the table:
- Joke Herremans, toxicologist, nutrition scientist and PFAS coordinator at the RIVM.
- Jan Fokkens, who is preparing the industry for upcoming PFAS restrictions on behalf of VNO/NCW and MKB Nederland (in collaboration with the Ministry).
- And Johan van Leeuwen, hydrogeology researcher at Utrecht University and KWR Water Research Institute. He is looking for ways to remove PFAS from the soil and water.
The guests do not believe that we will be able to get rid of PFAS easily. According to Jan Fokkens, we are even collectively suffering from a PFAS addiction. From medicines and medical devices to clothing, solar panels and electronics, PFAS are everywhere. But who is responsible for this addiction? And how can we remove these chemicals from nature and stop them from being produced? Anything but simple questions, yet the guests are (somewhat) hopeful about the (long-term) future.