Blood Lead Levels
The Provincial Institute for Hygiene reported a rise in average blood lead levels among children near the Umicore site in Hoboken, increasing from 2.05 µg/dl in spring 2025 to 2.51 µg/dl in autumn 2025. Despite the increase, levels remain within the 3 µg/dl norm set by the site's environmental permit.
Study Participation
This was the fifth voluntary blood lead test conducted in the expanded perimeter northeast of the site, including Moretusburg-Hertogvelden, Visputten, Kapelstraat, and Vinkevelden. Participation dropped to 36% with 252 children, compared to previous measurements. The study area extension aims to provide a comprehensive view of lead exposure and assess environmental measures' effectiveness.
Environmental Measures
Umicore invests €25 million annually in environmental improvement projects, focusing on air quality optimization and reducing windblown dust from logistics and production activities. A new enclosed green zone of five hectares was created to separate the site from the Moretusburg residential area.
Future Developments
A new connecting road will replace Adolf Greinerstraat by mid-2026, enhancing environmental performance. Umicore is also preparing a permit application for a hydrometallurgical facility to further reduce dust emissions.
