Experts Dismiss SSAB's Explanation for Worker Illnesses as 'Unlikely'

Dozens of workers at the SSAB steel plant construction site in Luleå, Sweden, experienced severe health issues in the spring of 2026, including burning lungs, intense headaches, nosebleeds, and vomiting. A total of 34 incidents involving irritated airways were reported, with at least 20 individuals affected. One worker developed chemically induced pneumonia, a condition typically caused by chemical exposure.

The construction, a 52 billion SEK project crucial for producing fossil-free steel and highlighted by the EU as strategically important, was halted on April 3 pending a police investigation. SSAB, one of Sweden's largest industrial projects, aimed for the new electric steel plant to be operational by 2029.

On May 26, SSAB presented its findings, attributing the illnesses to a combination of fine dust, weather conditions, and seasonal respiratory viruses. Technical Director Carl Orrling stated that gas exposure and abnormally high dust levels were ruled out, as were harmful substances within the dust. Following this announcement, construction resumed after a two-month pause.

However, Dagens Nyheter's investigation reveals skepticism from experts. Anders Hedström, an air quality consultant who assisted SSAB, stated that while dust, weather, and viruses were important factors, they were "not the only cause." He emphasized that more work is needed to mitigate the risks associated with fine dust particles. Niklas Arnberg, a professor of virology, also participated in the press conference, with SSAB citing his confirmation of a "key part" of their explanation. Despite SSAB's conclusions, experts suggest the full cause remains unclear.

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I think it is an important part of the context, but not that it is the only cause. Besides, I cannot comment medically.