RIVM: Dutch have too much PFAS intake

People in the Netherlands ingest too many PFAS(Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ) through food and drinking water combined. New research by the RIVM confirms this. However, the amount of PFAS is lower than previously calculated.

The amount of PFAS(Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ) that people in the Netherlands can ingest via food and drinking water is higher than the health threshold. Below this limit, no adverse health effects are expected. If people ingest more PFAS than this value for a long time, it can be harmful to health. People may become more susceptible to infections as a result. But whether a person actually becomes ill depends on several factors, such as lifestyle.

Most PFAS via food

The study shows that in the Netherlands we ingest more than three times as much PFAS through food than through drinking water. Fish contributes most to PFAS exposure via food, because it can contain large amounts of these substances. We also ingest PFAS through coffee, tea, cereal products, dairy products, meat, eggs, fruits and vegetables. For drinking water, the amount of PFAS depends on what type of water it is made from. Drinking water made from surface water contains more PFAS than groundwater. 

Eating a variety of foods

Because PFAS is found in several food products, the general advice to eat a varied diet is important to avoid ingesting a lot of PFAS. That way, you do not eat foods with high amounts of PFAS too often.

About PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) do not occur naturally in the environment. These substances are found in a variety of products. Consider non-stick coatings and food packaging materials. The process of making PFAS and using products containing them can release PFAS into the air, water and soil. From there, they can get into our food and drinking water. Most PFAS do not degrade and therefore remain in the environment for a long time.

Read the report 'Risk assessment of exposure to PFAS through food and drinking water in the Netherlands'.

Rivm.nl

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