The blood tests are part of the large-scale PFAS blood test in which people living within a radius of 5 km around the 3M site can have their blood analyzed for the presence of PFAS free of charge. Local residents can still register until February 29, 2024 via the blood test website. (opens in new window) They will then receive an invitation following which they can make an appointment at one of the blood collection centers.
Further blood tests proceed
More than 13,500 people have already registered and a few thousand residents have already received their personal results. The first group results are expected by the spring of 2025, following all blood samples have been completed and all results have been statistically and scientifically interpreted. How long the blood tests will continue depends on how many people register next week.
Looking for mother-child couples
For the mother-child study, which is part of the blood test, the researchers are still looking for as many mother-child couples as possible. Within this study, the PFAS levels of children under the age of 12 and their biological mother are compared to investigate whether there are links between the two, and what factors play a role in this. The more mother-child couples, the better the connections can be investigated. In children under 12 years of age, blood collection is done with a less invasive finger prick.