The Provincial Institute for Hygiene (PIH) today published the results of the biannual measurements of blood lead levels in children living near the Umicore site in Hoboken.
The average blood lead level fell this spring to 1.96 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dl) from 2.51 µg/dl in autumn 2025 in the wider perimeter northeast of the site, and to 2.06 µg/dl from 2.92 µg/dl in the neighboring residential areas of Moretusburg-Hertogvelden. These are the lowest average levels recorded since the start of the biannual measurements. One child in the extended perimeter had a blood lead level above 10 µg/dl, compared to no child in autumn 2025.
Since autumn 2023, the perimeter for the voluntary blood lead screenings has been expanded from Moretusburg-Hertogvelden to Visputten, Kapelstraat and Vinkevelden. This expansion was partly at Umicore’s request and is linked to the green zone located on a former section of the residential area along the site’s boundaries, as well as to the fact that both participating children and their numbers vary each time. The broader study area provides a more complete picture of possible lead exposure, including sources in the wider environment. This also helps Umicore better assess the effectiveness of its environmental measures on and around the site.
We are resuming the downward trend in blood lead levels among children in both the immediate and wider surroundings of our site, reaching the lowest averages ever recorded. At the same time, our environmental measurements for lead in fine particulate matter remain stable at low levels. This confirms the effectiveness of our consistent efforts for our living environment. We will continue to invest further to strengthen this positive trend.
“The results are encouraging. At the same time, we once again stress the importance of participation in these studies and of applying a scientifically sound framework to correctly assess the role of our site, as well as to identify other potential lead sources in this area with its industrial history. We continue to support families with additional checks in their homes, for example, into old plumbing or old paint layers. Only a comprehensive approach helps detect increases in time and allows all stakeholders to take targeted and careful action.”
Table - overview results of the widened perimeter
Because participation in the test is voluntary, both the group of children and its size may vary, making reliable comparisons difficult. The only way to assess changes over time is to follow the same group of children through repeated blood sampling.
| Lead in blood | Spring 2026 | Autumn 2025 | Spring 2025 | Autumn 2024 |
| Number of participating children vs total nr. of children living in the area | 250 (35.1% of 713) | 252 (36% of 700) | 264 (38.5% of 686) | 258 (40.6% van 636) |
| Average | 1.96 µg/dl | 2.51 µg/dl | 2.05 µg/dl | 2.34 µg/dl |
| Control group average | 1.00 µg/dl | 1.81 µg/dl | 1.69 µg/dl | 1.65 µg/dl |
| % Children > 4 µg/dl | 3.2% | 11.1% | 4.6% | 8.2% |
| % Children < 2 µg/dl | 62.7% | 44% | 61.3% | 49.2% |
| Number of children > 10 µg/dl |
1 | 0 | 1 | 2, of whom 1 in the control group |
| Average Moretusburg - Hertogvelden | 2.06 µg/dl | 2.92 µg/dl | 2.29 µg/dl | 2.46 µg/dl |
*µg/dl = micrograms per deciliter of blood
The prevention worker is in contact with the families of children with a blood lead level above 4 µg/dl. They can rely on Umicore to have their homes checked free of charge for the presence of possible lead sources such as lead-containing dust, lead pipes and lead-based paint. In addition, Umicore offers to remove dust from residents’ homes during renovation works.
The Umicore site in Hoboken has for many years been structurally investing, on a large scale, in environmental measures with demonstrable positive effects on environmental performance. Projects focus, among other things, on optimizing air extraction from the production halls and on further reducing wind-blown dust containing metal particles. This dust is generated by logistical and production activities on the plant site, where precious and critical metals are recycled. For example, in spring 2026 a further optimization of the gas cleaning installation at the smelter was brought into operation. Umicore is also planning an investment in a hydrometallurgical installation that will further reduce dust emissions.
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