The Dutch government has issued a warning against children and pets swallowing sea foam at the seaside, following a study that found high concentrations of PFAS 'forever chemicals' in the foam. The research, conducted by the Dutch public health institute RIVM, measured PFAS levels along the coasts of Zeeland, north and south Holland in April and August.
Although the concentrations were not as extreme as one sample from the Belgian resort of Knokke, popular Dutch beaches including Egmond, Katwijk, Scheveningen, Texel and Zandvoort showed comparable levels of PFAS to those found in Belgium. PFAS are synthetic chemicals linked to toxic effects on the human immune system, certain cancers, fertility issues, and risks to wildlife.
Water management minister Mark Harbers advised that people should shower after swimming, wash hands before eating, and prevent children and pets from swallowing sea foam. He noted that the Dutch population is already exposed to too much PFAS from food and drinking water, and any additional exposure via sea foam is undesirable. However, he stated that no measures were needed regarding sea swimming, as PFAS levels in the water are much lower.
The RIVM acknowledged uncertainty about the health risks for swimmers, surfers, or beach walkers due to a lack of data on exposure and acceptable risk levels. The study found that Dutch sea foam contains as much or more PFAS than Flemish sea foam, except for the one high sample from Knokke.
PFAS are used in products such as waterproof clothing, cosmetics, firefighting foam, and pizza boxes. Some are banned, but concerns persist due to their resistance to degradation. Last month, 17 of England's 18 water companies were found to have PFAS in drinking water sources, including PFOS at 18 times the limit for drinking water. The EU is considering large-scale restrictions on PFAS.
