Health Risks Assessed After Harmful Substances Found at Illegal Waste Site in Croatia

Following alarming findings from an illegal waste disposal site in Gospić, Croatia, health authorities are assessing potential risks to the local population. Investigations revealed elevated concentrations of various harmful substances in water downstream from the site, including PFAS compounds, also known as 'forever chemicals,' along with copper, zinc, lead, and antimony.

The Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) is actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with state and local institutions to evaluate the potential consequences for residents. The institute stated it will provide expert assessments and public health recommendations if requested by local authorities, based on available data and measurements.

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In situations where competent local authorities, based on their field inspections and measurements, request an additional expert assessment or the development of public health recommendations, HZJZ will prepare them based on available data and in coordination with other relevant institutions.

HZJZ emphasized that the mere presence of harmful substances in the environment does not automatically equate to a health risk. Key factors include the concentration, duration, and method of exposure, as well as an individual's health status and susceptibility. Long-term exposure to certain PFAS compounds has been linked to changes in cholesterol and liver enzyme levels, weakened immune responses, and lower birth weight. Lead, a cumulative toxin, can adversely affect the nervous, blood, kidney, and circulatory systems, with young children, pregnant women, and developing fetuses being particularly vulnerable. Antimony can harm the digestive and respiratory systems, while excessive amounts of copper and zinc, though essential in small quantities, can also cause health problems.

To assess the specific risk to the population, authorities need to understand the actual level of human exposure in addition to environmental concentrations. Until further assessments are complete, citizens are strongly advised to stay away from the disposal site. They should not touch or move any waste or contaminated soil. Special precautions are urged to prevent children and pets from accessing the location, and activities that could stir up dust in the area should be avoided.

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For the assessment of the specific risk to the population, in addition to the concentrations in the environment, the actual level of human exposure must also be known.