Higher lead levels in the blood of children near Umicore

In the neighborhood around the metal processing company, semi-annual blood tests are organized for children from 1 to 12 years old. A total of 252 of the 700 children living in the study area participated. The average amount of lead in the blood was 2.51 micrograms per deciliter (μg/dl). In the control group of 50 children who go to school within a radius of 2.5 kilometers around the company, but do not live in the research area, the average lead value was 1.81 µg/dl. This is also an increase compared to the spring of 2025 (1.69 µg/dl).

Compared to the spring of 2025, more children in the study area have a lead value above 4 µg/dl (11.1 percent versus 4.6 percent) and fewer children have a value lower than 2 µg/dl (44 percent versus 61.3 percent). In the spring of 2025, one child had a value above 10 µg/dl, but now none.

The Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) measures the amount of heavy metals in fine dust and falling dust in Hoboken. The results of heavy metals in particulate matter show that in the first nine months of 2025 the lead average at all measuring locations is comparable to the annual average of 2024. The average for cadmium also remains low. The target value for arsenic is not achieved. At two of the three measuring points, the 2025 average is higher than the European target value. The results of heavy metals in falling dust are slightly higher in the first nine months of 2025 than in 2024. The highest results were measured at the measuring station on the edge of the company.

Umicore Hoboken is making progress when it comes to the imposed environmental conditions. However, the target value for arsenic and the target value for lead remain a challenge. At the Hoboken location, 25 million euros are invested annually in environmental improvement projects. This created an enclosed green zone of approximately five hectares next to Umicore. This forms a buffer between the site and the Moretusburg residential area. Additional windbreaks were also installed to limit the spread of dust.

Earlier this year, Umicore Hoboken had asked for a relaxation of the standards regarding lead in blood levels in children. This was refused by the Antwerp provincial government.