Poison in the Polder: An ethnography of life amidst PFAS exposures in Dordrecht, the Netherlands

Abstract

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals made from carbon and fluoride. They essentially do not decompose and bioaccumulate in ecosystems and bodies. Hence, they are often referred to as “forever chemicals”. PFAS are toxic, and can lead to cancer, birth deformities and problems with the immune system. Since the 1960s, the company DuPont (which has since transformed into the company Chemours) has produced products with PFAS in Dordrecht. This thesis investigates the question: How do the communities living in the vicinity of the Chemours factory experience and respond to PFAS toxicity? The central argument is that one of the most significant impacts of PFAS toxicity is the pervasive experience of not knowing. Theoretically, this thesis builds on anthropological debates on waste, ignorance and uncertainty. Chapter 1 investigates various forms of ignorance among the different communities in Dordrecht, highlighting the imperceptibility of PFAS and the active choice to ignore it. Chapter 2 addresses how governmental secrecy exacerbates mistrust and uncertainty, deepening the communities' sense of insecurity. Chapter 3 explores the temporal aspects of PFAS exposure, emphasizing how shifting scientific and regulatory landscapes contribute to ongoing uncertainty. Overall, this thesis contends that the multifaceted experience of not knowing—stemming from both institutional secrecy and the evolving nature of PFAS science—profoundly shapes the community's response to PFAS toxicity, leading to a pervasive and enduring uncertainty about their health and environment.