Abstract

The Tata Steel Netherlands (TSN) site is the source of a variety of chemical emissions. RIVM has investigated the extent to which several of these substances – at the levels they are currently being emitted into the air – affect the health of local residents. This was done by examining the effects of multiple substances and dust, noise and odour nuisance, all considered in conjunction with one another.

The research confirmed that the emissions from the Tata Steel site contribute to the quantities of particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals in the immediate surroundings. In particular, the emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide and dust, odour and noise nuisance increases the likelihood of adverse health effects. As a result, local residents are at a slightly elevated risk of asthma, lung cancer and premature death. The likelihood of these effects is highest in Wijk aan Zee and decreases the further away from the Tata Steel site.

Due to exposure to particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide emitted from the Tata Steel site, Wijk aan Zee residents have a life expectancy that is 2.5 months lower on average. The emissions also lead to an increased risk of lung cancer. We have calculated that approximately 4% of the future cases of lung cancer in Wijk aan Zee will be attributable to the current emissions of particulate matter from the Tata Steel site. The exposure to nitrogen dioxide increases the likelihood of asthma among children under the age of 18 in the surrounding area. Here, the effect is also greatest in Wijk aan Zee: around 3% of future cases will be associated with the current emissions.

A large portion of people living in the IJmond region experience dust, odour and noise nuisance from industry. In Wijk aan Zee, the percentage can be as high as 80%. Residents have also reported sleep disturbance. In addition, they have concerns about their health in connection with the proximity to the industrial estate. Nuisance can result in adverse health effects, such as stress and cardiovascular disease.

The best way to mitigate these effects is to reduce the quantities of dust, odour, noise, particulate matter and nitrogen dioxides being emitted, thereby decreasing the exposure to these factors in the surrounding area. Public health will also benefit from reducing the emissions of PAHs and lead, so that less of these substances end up in the environment as well.

In order to calculate the health risks, RIVM has examined the ‘chain’ from source to health. It did so by studying the quantities of chemicals being emitted from the Tata Steel site, how these spread through the environment via the air and how much of them is ultimately deposited onto the ground. Next, RIVM looked at how these factors affect the local residents’ chances of experiencing adverse health effects.

Emissions from the Tata Steel site contribute significantly to air pollution and the deposition of lead and PAHs in the surrounding area. For local residents, this comes on top of their exposure to these substances from other sources in the Netherlands, such as shipping, and from sources in other countries.

People living near Tata Steel are exposed to a variety of substances at the same time, increasing the risk of a wide range of adverse health effects. RIVM feels it is important to learn more about the possible effects of these cumulative risks. Additionally, greater insight is needed into the effects of nuisance on health.

The results of the research can be used to improve health and the environment in the IJmond region. The chain approach (proof of concept) could also be applied in other situations in order to study health effects in a given region in conjunction with each other.