All eggs from passion chickens examined within the South Holland South area contained PFAS concentrations which might be 6 to 1,000 occasions greater than commercially produced eggs. That is evident from the chance evaluation that the RIVM carried out for 31 areas of passion chickens on this area. The RIVM due to this fact maintains the recommendation that it and the GGD Zuid-Holland Zuid beforehand gave.
They advise towards consuming eggs from passion chickens. Eggs from supermarkets and retailers include a lot much less PFAS and are suitable for eating. The origin of those excessive PFAS concentrations isn’t but recognized.
They include 6 to 1,000 occasions extra PFAS than a median industrial egg. Personal eggs come from chickens which might be stored as a passion. For instance in backyards, vegetable gardens and care and petting zoos.
Nationwide downside
“Because the 4 municipalities concerned, we’re after all shocked by the findings of the investigation. In December, regional analysis confirmed that the eggs contained an excessive amount of PFAS. In December we shared the recommendation to not eat eggs from passion chickens. The RIVM analysis signifies that this recommendation stays legitimate. This isn’t only a downside in our area, however a nationwide downside.
The consequences of PFAS air pollution look like more and more far-reaching. The PFAS not solely comes from our area however can also be emitted somewhere else. We due to this fact nonetheless suppose it’s important that there’s a ban at European stage on PFAS emissions. We’ll proceed to battle for this, additionally regionally.”
PFAS consumption through solely eggs from passion chickens
The RIVM has calculated for 31 areas what number of eggs from passion chickens folks can eat per week with out exceeding the health-based restrict worth of PFAS. This restrict worth signifies how a lot PFAS folks can ingest with out this having penalties for well being.
At 22 areas, folks ingest extra PFAS than the health-based restrict worth by consuming one egg per week. The eggs from the opposite eight areas could possibly be eaten a most of as soon as (at three areas), two (at two areas), three (at two areas) or 4 occasions per week (at one location) with out exceeding the health-based restrict worth. At one location the restrict worth was exceeded at 15 eggs per week.
The RIVM has calculated the consumption of PFAS by consuming solely eggs from passion chickens. We additionally ingest PFAS via different meals and ingesting water, that is referred to as background publicity. This must also be taken under consideration to evaluate the well being danger of consuming the eggs of passion chickens.
In 2023, the RIVM calculated the consumption of PFAS via meals and ingesting water for the Dutch inhabitants. This reveals that Dutch folks ingest an excessive amount of PFAS. Subsequently, any further consumption, for instance through eggs from passion chickens, is undesirable. The RIVM and GGD Zuid-Holland Zuid due to this fact keep the earlier recommendation to not eat eggs from passion chickens in Zuid-Holland Zuid.
What does this imply for well being?
Consuming eggs from passion chickens with excessive ranges of PFAS doesn’t have any instant adversarial well being penalties. Within the danger evaluation, RIVM compares the calculated consumption of PFAS with the health-based restrict worth. Above the health-based restrict worth, the chance of illness could improve. The extra PFAS folks ingest and the longer this lasts, the higher the prospect that it’ll have an effect on well being. It’s due to this fact essential to remain beneath this restrict worth. Consuming eggs from passion chickens contributes lots to PFAS consumption.
Which PFAS species has the RIVM discovered within the eggs?
The eggs include lots of the PFAS kind PFOS. So far as is understood, the corporate Chemours (beforehand DuPont) in Dordrecht doesn’t emit this substance. Along with PFOS, the eggs additionally include a variety of different PFAS species in unexpectedly excessive concentrations. The RIVM has additionally discovered PFOA, emitted prior to now by Chemours, within the eggs, however normally in decrease ranges. The RIVM discovered little or no GenX within the eggs examined.
Investigation into the trigger
The municipalities of Dordrecht, Molenlanden, Papendrecht and Sliedrecht commissioned this analysis final autumn. In December it turned out that there was an excessive amount of PFAS within the eggs of passion chickens. They then additionally ordered an investigation into the trigger. The query was: via which route does the PFAS enter the eggs. This investigation – led by consultancy agency Arcadis – continues to be ongoing.
Researchers examined the soil, water, meals, nutritional vitamins, anti-worm treatment, nesting materials and packaging materials of the meals. They discovered nothing that might clarify the elevated PFAS content material within the eggs. Lastly, the PFAS ranges in worms are examined. The results of this can come someday within the coming weeks. After analysis into PFAS in eggs from passion chickens and the trigger, RIVM will proceed at a nationwide stage.
RIVM expands analysis throughout the Netherlands
The reason for the excessive PFAS ranges within the eggs of passion chickens is unknown. Based mostly on many nationwide and worldwide research, it’s doubtless that the issue isn’t solely in South Holland South. The RIVM has introduced that it’ll additionally conduct analysis into PFAS in eggs from passion chickens and into the reason for PFAS somewhere else within the Netherlands.
Why this analysis?
The RIVM performed analysis into the extent of PFAS in eggs to search out out whether or not it’s secure for residents within the area to eat eggs from passion chickens. This has to do with the recognized PFAS air pollution within the Chemours space.
Lately, a number of research have been performed into PFAS in soil, vegetable gardens and water. Comply with-up analysis into the presence of PFAS in eggs from passion chickens began within the autumn of 2023. Passion chickens are chickens that an individual retains as a passion. For instance in backyards, vegetable gardens and care and petting zoos.
The picture beneath reveals the areas (inexperienced symbols) the place RIVM has collected eggs within the eight municipalities. The crimson image signifies the place chemical firm Chemours is situated in Dordrecht. There are fewer than 30 dots on the map as a result of a variety of areas are shut to one another.
Eggs from the grocery store are secure
You’ll be able to safely eat eggs that come from skilled poultry farmers (akin to these bought within the grocery store). This is applicable to all egg sorts within the grocery store, together with free-range eggs. These include considerably decrease ranges of PFAS. Our personal business and the Dutch Meals and Shopper Product Security Authority (NVWA) repeatedly check these eggs. The RIVM has additionally examined meals merchandise for PFAS. It additionally turned out you could safely eat these eggs.
