The discovery of 'forever chemicals' in groundwater near Gospić has raised a host of questions about the environmental and health impacts of illegally dumped waste, with experts warning of potential long-term consequences.
The discovery of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, in groundwater downstream from an illegal waste dump in Gospić has sparked serious concern for public health and the environment. These so-called 'forever chemicals' are extremely persistent, break down slowly, and accumulate in organisms and nature. According to epidemiologist Barbara Bekavac, they are linked to a range of serious health problems.
PFAS stands for a vast group of over a thousand different synthetic chemicals that have been used since the 1940s. Their resistance to water, grease, and high temperatures has made them a staple in countless products, from food packaging and non-stick cookware to waterproof clothing and cosmetics. It is precisely this durability that poses the key problem: once they enter the environment, they remain there for decades.
"It's very hard to say how long a person must be exposed for them to become dangerous, because we're talking about more than a thousand different chemicals. An additional problem is that they accumulate both in the environment and in the body," Bekavac explained to Danas.hr, emphasizing the complexity of risk assessment.
Numerous studies point to a link between long-term exposure to PFAS compounds and various health disorders. Epidemiologist Barbara Bekavac told Narod.hr about their potential impact on reproductive health. "Research has shown they can affect fertility and reproductive health, whether by increasing blood pressure during pregnancy or by reducing fertility," she said.
In addition, exposure is also associated with developmental problems in children. "They can affect child development, for example, reduced birth weight, as well as bones. They are also linked to an increased risk of obesity and elevated blood cholesterol levels," Bekavac added. One of the most serious concerns is carcinogenicity, and Bekavac confirmed: "PFAS compounds are associated with the development of prostate, kidney, and testicular cancer."
The results of an environmental expert assessment, published by USKOK in the case of illegal waste disposal in Gospić, confirmed the presence of hazardous and ecotoxic waste. Analyses showed soil contamination and elevated concentrations of harmful substances such as copper, zinc, lead, and antimony. Particularly worrying is the finding of PFAS compounds in groundwater, because in the karst region of Lika, contamination can spread uncontrollably through underground channels.
Most's parliamentary representative Zvonimir Troskot reacted sharply to the findings and called on the government to declare a state of ecological emergency for Lika and the northern Adriatic coast. He warned that the contamination will not remain localized but could spread and threaten the Gacka River, the town of Senj, and even the islands of the northern Adriatic.
"People are not even aware of what a forever chemical, PFAS, means. Once it enters the ecosystem, it cannot simply be removed," Troskot said. He also claimed that hazardous waste is "a much more lucrative and profitable business than cocaine," suggesting that large financial interests lie behind the problem. His party colleague Marin Miletić on Friday demanded an urgent investigation from Minister Davor Božinović over suspicions of illegal waste dumping on state land in Udbina as well.
Most has called for the urgent remediation of the contamination source, independent testing of groundwater, soil, air, and public water supplies, and the publication of all relevant documents, stressing that this is a matter of institutional responsibility and the protection of human health.
