Largest Polluter in The Netherlands Promises Change

Katherine Willey
Environment and Human Rights Researcher
Global Human Rights Defence

Following calls for change from residents, politicians and health experts, Tata Steel has agreed to change its production methods and reduce emissions of harmful chemicals from their plant in the Ijmond region of North Holland.

Earlier this month, the Dutch public health institute (RIVM) released a report detailing that levels of PAH (Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – a class of chemicals found in coal which can cause a wide range of health problems) and toxic metals were 20-100 times higher in Ijmond than in the rest of the country. A particular concern was the possibility that children were being exposed to high levels of lead dust when playing outside. Exposure to this dust can stunt the brain’s development and lead to serious irreversible health issues such as reduced attention span and educational attainment, behavioural problems, anaemia and immunotoxicity, among others. 

After the publication of the report, the Dutch parliament and leaders of local municipalities presented Tata Steel with a choice: cease operation or change their ways. This week, the company chose the latter, stating that they intend to spend €300 million on cutting the release of harmful dust by 65% by 2023, partly by phasing out the use of coal and gradually switching to hydrogen powered production.
While the effects of the changes promised by Tata Steel will take several years to have an impact, these developments show what can happen when political actors step up and take the effects of pollution seriously. In this case, they prioritised the right of their constituents to live in a healthy environment over economic benefits, ultimately forcing the polluter to change their behaviour. 

Bibliography

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