Dust particles behind illness cases at SSAB construction site

Mysterious illnesses that affected workers at the construction site of SSAB's new electro-steel plant in Luleå, Sweden, have been attributed to exposure to fine dust particles. The company confirmed its analysis findings in a press release, stating that this exposure caused symptoms such as irritated airways, nausea, and nosebleeds, which led some employees to seek hospital care.

The construction work, which had been halted due to the unexplained sicknesses, is scheduled to resume on Wednesday. SSAB indicated that the symptoms may have been intensified by low humidity levels and the presence of seasonal respiratory viruses.

This clarification brings an end to the uncertainty surrounding the health issues that emerged during the spring at the Luleå facility. The company's announcement provides a definitive cause, allowing for the resumption of the project while presumably implementing measures to mitigate further dust exposure.