Per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals are a family of artificial compounds widely used for decades to make textiles, non-stick pans and cosmetics for their resistance to heat or water.
But they have accumulated in nature and human bodies because of their durability and longevity, polluting the environment and posing serious risks to humans and animals, according to some scientific research.
The law firm Knoops' Advocaten said Wednesday that it had "issued a subpoena on behalf of eleven different interest organisations" against the Dutch state "in connection with the harmful effects of widespread PFAS contamination in the Netherlands".
The groups allege the government is "grossly neglecting its duty of care to protect Dutch citizens, animals and the environment from the harmful effects of PFAS contamination" despite knowing about the dangers, the firm said.
The collective is demanding the state be found guilty of PFAS pollution and carry out a national health investigation, public broadcaster NOS reported.
The state has three months to meet the demands, after which the lawsuit will begin, NOS said, with the law firm saying it would start at The Hague's district court on August 7.
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