Dutch Study Reveals All Citizens Have ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Blood
The Netherlands has become the latest country to reveal the pervasive presence of PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals,’ in its population. A nationwide study conducted by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) found that every person in the Netherlands has detectable levels of these man-made substances in their blood, with nearly all individuals showing levels above health safety thresholds.
PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals, are used in a wide range of everyday products, including plastic food wrappers, non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and cleaning agents. Due to their chemical structure, these substances break down extremely slowly in both the environment and the human body, earning them the nickname ‘forever chemicals.’ The Netherlands’ study is the first of its kind in the European Union to examine the scale of PFAS contamination within a national population.
According to the study, nearly 100% of Dutch citizens have PFAS in their blood, with most levels exceeding the recommended health limits. Researchers noted that the presence of these chemicals does not necessarily mean illness, but prolonged exposure may have lasting health effects. Potential risks include impaired immune function, increased cholesterol levels, infertility, and a link to certain cancers. These findings align with similar studies in the United States, Canada, and Australia, which have also found widespread exposure to PFAS among various populations.
The study analyzed approximately 1,500 blood samples collected between 2016 and 2017. RIVM has since expanded its research to include samples from 2025, aiming to track changes in exposure levels over time. While PFAS are known for their persistence in the body, experts warn that reducing daily exposure is crucial to preventing long-term health complications.
Human exposure to PFAS typically occurs through contaminated food, drinking water, household products, air, and soil. The research underscores the need for regulatory action and increased public awareness to address the environmental and health risks posed by these chemicals.
The findings highlight a growing global concern about the widespread use of PFAS in consumer products and their long-term impact on public health. As more countries conduct similar studies, the call for stricter regulations and safer alternatives to these persistent chemicals is gaining momentum.