Residents of Moerdijk spent a large part of Friday in the stench. Several people called 112 because they became nauseous and had a headache. According to a spokesperson for the Central and West Brabant Security Region, it resembled the smell of rotten eggs and the cause of this pungent stench was at a metal company in the port.
According to the spokesperson, the first report of odor nuisance came in around two o’clock on Friday afternoon. Concerned calls kept coming in at the emergency number throughout the afternoon. Especially from the area around the harbor in Moerdijk.
A special measurement team from the fire service conducted an investigation in the port. This went to ships and companies. Ultimately, the industrial estate where the dust was released was found. Measures have been taken in both a pit and a mountain of metal to keep the stench to a minimum.
Although the stench lingered for a while, people didn’t have to worry about their health. The security region did advise to keep windows and doors closed. The foul air has disappeared in the course of Saturday morning.
The spokesperson for the security region also said that people should not be afraid if they were not feeling well. “It’s annoying, of course, but it’s not harmful to health.”