Sea foam stretching along the Dutch coast is harbouring per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), revealed a recent analysis by the Public Health and Environment Institute for the Dutch Infrastructure and Water Management department.
The study was commissioned by the provinces of Zeeland, North Holland and South Holland. "The exact impact of these sea foam PFAS concentrations on beach goers, surfers, and swimmers' health remains unclear," the Institute stated. They cited a lack of information on how much sea foam people ingest during coastal activities.
The investigation, requested by three coastal provinces, followed similar research in Flanders. According to Belgian coast studies, ocean water PFAS levels were significantly lower than those in sea foam, a pattern also seen on Dutch beaches. This has led Zeeland province to confirm that sea swimming poses no health concerns.
PFAS, the so-called "forever chemicals", have been a widely-discussed topic of concern in recent weeks in Belgium due to their proven harmful health effects. Recent research from the Netherlands Public Health and Environment Institute established that a large part of the Dutch population already consumes too much PFAS through food and water.
The Dutch Institute is currently conducting a nationwide study to better understand the various PFAS sources to which people are exposed.
