Episode 05: Inside the Mind of an Activist - Thomas Goorden on environmental activism and the PFAS-case in Belgium

Zwijndrecht-Antwerp, Belgium, 2021. A major scandal is exposed concerning chemical pollution with PFAS. This forever chemical is used to manufacture waterproof and grease-repellent products, used for raincoats, extinguishing foam, cosmetics, fast-food packaging and non-stick pans. As useful as it is, when people are exposed to large amounts, the chemical can also be carcinogenic and disruptive to their hormonal balance.

3M, an American multinational chemical conglomerate, is found responsible for knowingly polluting the area - groundwater and soil - spreading beyond the Dutch border. Also, the Flemish government seemed not to have taken responsibility. 

And this is where Thomas Goorden and his entourage come into the picture: the whistleblowers of the case.
In this second episode of the grassroots movement series, we welcome Thomas to our virtual table. Especially known for his tireless commitment in the PFAS case, Thomas tells us about his experience being an environmental activist.