Chemical company Chemours in Dordrecht should stop emitting PFAS substances as soon as possible and compensate around 550,000 people living in Dordrecht and the surrounding area, according to the PFAS Vrij Green Claim foundation. The foundation is seeking to enforce these demands in civil court and has formally launched a class action lawsuit.
The foundation says that “many thousands” of people have already joined the mass claim. Board members symbolically presented the summons to Chemours on Wednesday.
According to PFAS Vrij, residents have been exposed for years to PFAS substances emitted by Chemours. The substances entered the water, air and wider environment.
PFAS refers to a group of chemicals that manufacturers use in products such as non-stick pans. Studies have linked PFAS to health problems, including cancer and fertility problems.
PFAS Vrij claims that Chemours knew about the risks of PFAS but failed to inform the authorities or provided incomplete information. The foundation also says the company failed to take adequate measures itself.
PFAS Vrij argues that Chemours “acted unlawfully, must cease PFAS emissions, and is liable for the damage that residents have suffered and may yet suffer.”
“This case is not just about environmental pollution, but above all about the consequences for hundreds of thousands of people who have lived for years without knowing what substances they were exposed to,” lawyer Michael Bacon said in relation to the summons.
“As residents, we deserve clarity, recognition, and redress,” said Anneke van Veen, a board member of the foundation.
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