Having PFAS levels above the health-based guidance value does not mean that people will immediately become ill from PFAS. However, it does indicate that PFAS may have an effect on the body. For example, the immune system may function less effectively. The impact depends on the amount of PFAS, the duration of exposure, and a person’s individual health.

The aim of this first nationwide study is to determine how much PFAS is present in the blood of people in the Netherlands. RIVM is also analysing blood samples from 2025 for this purpose. This knowledge will help us monitor in future whether measures to reduce exposure are having the desired effect.

PFOS and PFOA most frequently found

RIVM examined 28 different PFAS in nearly 1,500 blood samples, providing a reliable insight into the situation in the Netherlands. At least seven different types of PFAS were found in almost all samples (PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFHxS, PFHpS and PFOS). Five of the substances tested were not detected in any of the samples. PFOS was the most commonly found PFAS in the blood, followed by PFOA.

RIVM also focused on the Dordrecht region and the area around the Western Scheldt, as these are near factories that have released PFAS into the surrounding environment. 

In blood samples from residents from the Dordrecht area, higher levels of PFOA were found compared to the national average. Around the Western Scheldt, elevated PFOS levels were found.

Important to reduce PFAS in the body

In 2021 and 2023, RIVM calculated that people in the Netherlands are ingesting too much PFAS through food and drinking water. The earlier results are confirmed by the findings on PFAS in blood. Although PFAS are known for being resistant to degradation, they can gradually leave the body over time. Only if people ingest less PFAS will the PFAS levels in the body gradually reduce to below the health-based guidance value.

There are no possibilities to fully avoid contact with PFAS. These substances are present throughout the Netherlands—in soil, food, and drinking water. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises a varied diet to minimise PFAS intake. Individuals can also pay attention to whether products such as non-stick coatings, cosmetics, and raincoats contain PFAS.

The Netherlands is working on measures against PFAS

Primarily, companies and government authorities can take measures to reduce people’s PFAS intake. The Dutch government often works together with other European countries on this. The substance PFOS was banned in 2008, and PFOA in 2020. To prevent one PFAS from being replaced with another, the Netherlands, together with other countries, has submitted a proposal for a European ban on all PFAS. This proposal is currently under review by European scientific committees.

PFAS research programme

The current study used blood samples from 2016 and 2017. To obtain a more up-to-date picture, RIVM will conduct further research using blood samples from 2025. These samples will also be analysed for various types of PFAS and compared to the health-based guidance value. The results of this study are expected in 2026.

These studies are part of the PFAS Research Programme. The aim of this programme is to determine how the Dutch population’s exposure to PFAS can be reduced. To this end, RIVM investigates how much PFAS people are exposed to and through which routes. We also examine the levels of PFAS present in the environment and in humans. The PFAS Research Programme has been commissioned by the Ministries of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW), and Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LVVN).