Solvay Plant Closure Highlights Worker Health Concerns Over PFAS Exposure

As the Salindres facility shuts down, employees pursue legal action and voice fears about long-term health risks tied to 'forever chemicals.'

The Solvay chemical plant in Salindres, France, officially ceased operations on March 28, 2025, with layoffs finalized by April 1, 2025.
Workers report insufficient protective measures against PFAS exposure, with some experiencing health issues such as liver problems and miscarriages, though no direct causal link has been established.
A 2024 report commissioned by the plant’s CSE confirmed frequent worker exposure to PFAS and inadequate safety protocols, fueling employee concerns.
Legal actions initiated by employees and unions seek to challenge the economic rationale for layoffs and gain recognition for anxiety-related damages.
France and the EU are advancing stricter PFAS regulations, with new monitoring and restrictions expected by 2025-2026, raising challenges for the chemical industry to adapt.