Together with foundation Tegengif, medical professionals and health organizations are urging the Dutch government to advocate for a PFAS-free future. In a open letter published on Wednesday, signatories highlighted the urgent need for a discharge ban and a comprehensive European PFAS ban to protect public health. Additionally, they demanded that the healthcare sector phase out medical devices containing PFAS.
Prolonged chemical exposure poses severe health risks
PFAS chemicals barely degrade in the environment and enter human bodies primarily through food and tap water, according to Tegengif. Recent data from the RIVM shows nearly three-quarters of Dutch residents exceed recommended health thresholds for PFAS in their blood. Long-term exposure can damage immune systems, while specific PFAS variants are linked to cancer risks.
Doctors champion PFAS-free alternatives in medical care
Signatories—including professor and intensive care specialist Diederik Gommers—call on the Netherlands to lead by example in developing PFAS-free medical equipment. Gommers emphasized that viable alternatives already exist for many devices: ” I expect that we can operate completely PFAS-free in the ICU within a few years.”
The letter targets State Secretary Annet Bertram and Minister Vincent Karremans of Infrastructuur en Waterstaat. Key endorsers include Koepel Artsen Maatschappij + Gezondheid (KAMG), Groene Zorg Alliantie, Nederlandse Vereniging voor de Anesthesiologie (NVA), AJN Jeugdartsen Nederland, Caring Doctors, and Nederlandse Vereniging voor Medische Milieukunde (NVMM).
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