Concerns arise over potential PFAS pollution near Steiner School in Kvistgård, Denmark

Leading a school, kindergarten, and nursery can be a challenging task, especially when faced with potential pollution issues. This is the reality for Anette Jørnung, head of the Steiner School in Kvistgård, North Zealand, along with its associated kindergarten and nursery.

Concerns have arisen among parents regarding a factory located approximately 100 meters from the school grounds. This facility, known as Accoat, manufactures PFAS coatings for metal elements by spraying PFAS substances and heating them to high temperatures. Helsingør Municipality has expressed strong suspicions that Accoat is releasing PFAS chemicals into the air through its emissions. Consequently, the municipality has issued a directive requiring the company to measure PFAS levels in its air discharges.

Jørnung acknowledges the need for further investigation, citing the responsibility the school holds towards its students. “Of course, it’s a good idea. We have a school here and are responsible for all these wonderful children, so I am glad that more studies are being conducted,” she stated.

There has been longstanding worry in the local community about potential contamination from this factory. In response, the school conducted soil tests last year, which detected PFAS but found the concentrations to be below regulatory limits, and it remains unclear if the chemicals originated from Accoat. The school has since removed some contaminated soil and replaced sand in its playgrounds.

Currently, there are no established limits for PFAS in the air, but the municipality is working on proposals for permissible concentration levels. Accoat, meanwhile, maintains it complies with existing regulations and emphasizes its commitment to environmental laws. A public meeting organized by Helsingør Municipality and the Capital Region is set to address the issue, given that PFAS contamination has been confirmed in groundwater at several of the factory’s former sites.