Luleå steel plant dust under new investigation after illnesses

Authorities in northern Sweden are re-examining dust from the SSAB steel plant construction site in Luleå after dozens of workers reported unexplained bleeding and nausea, Swedish public broadcaster SVT reports.

Since spring, 34 workers at the site have fallen ill with symptoms including headaches, nausea, and nosebleeds. Elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen cyanide have been detected, prompting repeated work stoppages.

Police opened a preliminary investigation into workplace safety violations but have been unable to conduct technical inspections due to safety concerns. SSAB has attributed the illnesses to a combination of dust particles, low humidity, and seasonal viruses.

Norrbotten County Council has received numerous concerned inquiries from residents in the nearby Svartöstaden neighborhood, where factory dust has become sticky. Environmental protection chief Sabina Hoppe told SVT that sampling of the dust will begin as soon as possible and continue through the summer to determine its composition and volume.