The RIVM analyzed the available knowledge and information about health and the living environment around the Chemelot industrial area. Several key points have emerged. It appears that people living near Chemelot experience nuisance from activities on the site, such as odor and noise disturbances. Based on the limited available data, the RIVM cannot establish a link between Chemelot and illnesses among local residents. However, they may face a higher health risk due to exposure to mixtures of chemical substances in the air. Therefore, the RIVM advises obtaining a more complete picture of the total mixture of substances present in the Chemelot area.
The Chemelot industrial park in Limburg houses 60 chemical factories. Many of these factories emit chemical substances. People living near Chemelot are concerned about their health and sometimes suffer from these companies. The RIVM analyzed public information about emissions from Chemelot companies and possible exposure. It also used information from the GGD Health Monitor (external link) about how people perceive their living environment and health.
Exposure to multiple substances simultaneously
Companies at Chemelot emit various substances. For each individual substance with available data, the concentration in the air at Chemelot complies with legal standards. However, data indicate a possible increased health risk due to exposure to mixtures of substances in the air. Therefore, the RIVM advises better examination of the total mixture of substances present in the Chemelot area and additional measurements.
Concentrations of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide in the air are higher than the WHO World Health Organization (World Health Organization) guideline values. Chemelot companies cause a small part of this. The rest comes from other sources, such as agriculture and traffic from domestic and foreign origins. Particulate matter levels remain well below the (less strict) European standard.
Insufficient data on health effects
There is little data on health and disease in the immediate vicinity of Chemelot. In the data available, the RIVM sees no pattern of diseases occurring more frequently. This also applies to cancer: some types occur slightly more often than the Dutch average, others less.
To determine whether there is a link between health effects and Chemelot, more detailed research is needed on diseases occurring in the area.
Nuisance from noise
The exploration shows that noise levels around Chemelot exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) road traffic guideline values. This noise comes from various sources, including Chemelot. The GGD health monitor also shows that people suffer from noise and sleep less well because of it. The RIVM therefore advises investigating which companies produce the most noise. Companies can then take measures to prevent noise nuisance.
Soil and water
The exploration also looked at soil pollution and the discharge of hazardous substances into surface water. The quality of the water in the Meuse River appears to be a health concern. Concentrations of hazardous substances such as mercury are already high without Chemelots discharge.
The RIVM conducted this research for the Health of Industry and Residents program at the request of the province of Limburg and on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.