News

IVM Laboratory heavily involved in Moerdijk fire

Following the fire of the chemical company Chemie-Pack in Moerdijk, at 5 January, IVM’s Chemistry and Biology department is overwhelmed with questions for advice.

Professor De Boer continues to comment on the environmental and human health effects of the fire in Nieuwsuur tonight at 22.15h (12 January) and in several other TV and radio programs. Meanwhile, risks for people living in the village of Moerdijk seem to be limited. The focus is now on relatively high heavy metal concentrations in the area just opposite the fire across the Hollands Diep (Mariapolder).  More samples from a wider area and an inventory of metals and possibly other toxic compounds and their effects on agricultural land is necessary to fully understand the risks caused by the fire. Cleaners are strongly advised to wear protective clothing and breath protection. 

Contact information: Prof. dr. Jacob de Boer

More information:
- Trouw 7 January 2011 
- Tros Nieuwsshow Radio 8 January 2011
- Nieuwsuur 8 January 2011
- NOS television 9 January 2011