Olen Investigates Elevated Arsenic Levels in the Air

Olen (Eurotoday) – Olen is investigating elevated levels of arsenic in the air, which currently surpass the targets set by the European Union. City official Marc Verhulst emphasized there are no immediate health risks, but additional testing will determine what steps should be taken next. Binding limits for arsenic emissions are scheduled to come into effect in 2030.

According to a report by VRT News, efforts are already underway in Olen—a municipality in Belgium’s Antwerp province—to lower arsenic emissions. However, the exact source of the contamination remains unknown. Authorities are examining whether the elevated levels stem from specific industrial activities, raw materials used in manufacturing, or broader environmental factors.

Potential solutions may include modifying production methods, enhancing filtration systems, or transitioning to safer, less toxic materials. Officials stress that a broad and thorough strategy is critical to ensuring public health, meeting future EU regulations, and demonstrating environmental accountability.

How is Olen addressing elevated arsenic levels?

City authorities say it’s too early to provide concrete advice to residents based on the preliminary air quality data. Further monitoring across additional locations in the municipality is planned to confirm whether the findings are consistent.

Marc Verhulst, city administrator, reassured the public that there is no cause for panic and that the situation is being closely observed. For now, residents are not being asked to take any special precautions. City officials will wait for more detailed results before offering guidance or implementing measures.

Verhulst added that the investigations are a proactive step—not intended to alarm the populace but to identify and address any potential risks. “We care about the community’s well-being and are committed to gathering all the necessary data,” he said. “Once we know more, we’ll decide what further actions are needed.”

In 2024, tests checking for airborne metals such as lead, cadmium, and nickel found concentrations to be within safe EU thresholds. However, arsenic levels averaged 13 nanograms per cubic meter (ng/m³), over twice the EU’s current target of 6 ng/m³.

While this does not currently violate any binding regulations—because the 6 ng/m³ arsenic limit is a target rather than a legal requirement—it raises concerns about potential health effects and the looming 2030 enforcement deadline. City officials acknowledged the importance of addressing this issue early, given the tightening environmental standards ahead.