House doctor data confirms higher health risks for residents around Tata Steel

Residents of the IJmond region have higher rates of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and gastrointestinal problems than people in other areas of the Netherlands, according to a study by health institute Nivel. The research was based on general practitioner records. The findings come as the Public Prosecution Service announced Wednesday that it is prosecuting Tata Steel over harmful emissions.

The Nivel study found that some health problems occur more frequently among IJmond residents. However, researchers said they did not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between industrial emissions and health conditions.

People living within 2 kilometers of the Tata Steel industrial site and other heavy industry companies were referred to lung specialists more often than those living farther away, according to the study. Residents near the industrial area also used more medication linked to lung cancer treatment and were diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) more often.

The findings add to evidence that people in the IJmond region face increased health risks. Previous assessments by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the Municipal Health Service (GGD) reached similar conclusions.

“Additional monitoring is important to draw more robust conclusions,” Nivel said.