In autumn 2022, RIVM once again found high levels of PAHs and metals in coarse dust particles deposited in the area around Tata Steel. The amounts were similar to those RIVM measured in 2020 and in spring 2022. Only the amount of iron measured in spring and autumn 2022 was significantly lower than in 2020.
Repeat measurements in 2022
In 2020, RIVM conducted a study into the composition of coarse dust particles deposited in the area around Tata Steel. It took repeat measurements in spring and autumn 2022. The autumn 2022 results were similar to those of the two previous studies. More PAHs and metals are deposited on the ground in the IJmond region than in remote areas of the Netherlands. This is especially the case in Wijk aan Zee. These amounts are undesirable with a view to the health of children.
Impossible to conclude that emissions are structurally decreasing
The results show that actions taken by Tata Steel have not yet had a clear measurable effect on the amount of coarse dust particles containing PAHs and metals being deposited. Iron is an exception to this. The amount of iron measured in both spring and autumn 2022 was significantly lower than in 2020. Based on these measurements, it is impossible to conclude that emissions of coarse dust particles containing PAHs and metals from the Tata Steel site have changed. This is because no structural differences have been measured.
To gain a clearer picture, these measurements must be repeated over multiple years. RIVM, the Province of North Holland and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management are discussing how and when to repeat the measurements. Based on this study, it is not possible to determine the individual contributions of the different sources, neither at the Tata Steel site nor elsewhere. RIVM is measuring the deposits of coarse dust particles on behalf of the Province of North Holland and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.