In the vicinity of Tata Steel, more PAHs Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) and metals settle on the ground than in areas without industry. This is again evident from deposition measurements by the RIVM. Previously, the RIVM established that exposure to the amounts of lead and PAHs is undesirable for the health of children. The dust also causes nuisance in the villages around Tata Steel. Compared to previous measurements, slightly less PAHs and metals have settled on the ground. It is unclear whether the decreases are structural and what the precise cause is.
The RIVM has been measuring since 2020 in the IJmond, in the vicinity of Tata Steel, how many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)) and metals are present in dust that has settled on the ground. In the autumn of 2024, the RIVM conducted measurements for the fourth time and compared the results.
Slight decrease of PAHs and metals in dust on the ground
Once again, it appears that more PAHs and metals are settling on the ground in the IJmond than in areas without industry. This is especially true in Wijk aan Zee. However, the amounts of PAHs, aluminum, lead, and zinc in the dust in most villages were slightly lower than in 2020. The amount of iron has significantly decreased since 2020. It is unclear whether the decreases are structural and what the precise cause is.
Various factors influencing results
An important source of this dust is Tata Steel. One of the measures that Tata Steel has taken to limit the spread of dust is the installation of a windscreen around part of the industrial area. The windscreen was installed just before the start of this research. The RIVM cannot say based on the measurements from 2024 whether these and other measures taken by Tata Steel are effective.
Weather conditions also influence the results. For example, wind strength, wind direction, and precipitation. These conditions vary each year.
Continuing to monitor the living environment
To make the living environment healthier, it is important that less dust with PAHs and metals is emitted and settles in the living environment. It is useful to continue monitoring the situation in the IJmond in the coming years. The RIVM aims to gain more insight into the factors and sources that influence the amount of settled dust.