More Chance to Compensate for Chromium Victims 6

Dozens of former defense employees, who have already worked with toxic chromium-6, can still claim compensation. State Secretary Barbara Visser (Defense, VVD) will ask the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) to investigate new diseases possibly caused by chromium 6.

Visser promised this Wednesday during a debate with the House of Representatives. on the treatment of the chrome scandal 6 and the settlement of claims of former employees. "If it turns out that some diseases are probably caused by chromium-6 exposure, people with these diseases are also eligible for settling claims," ​​Visser said. "The system has also been put in place."

Vigilance Duty

Hundreds of people at NATO defense offices spent years using chrome-6 painted military equipment. Although it has been known since 1973 that chromium 6 is highly toxic, these employees were not adequately protected. As an employer, the Ministry of Defense has therefore seriously failed in its duty of care, concluded the RIVM in a series of reports. Chromium 6 victims can receive compensation.

What are the most important questions about chromium 6? Read in this overview

The RIVM observed that a number of diseases among former employees were probably caused by chromium 6, such as lung cancer. Among the other diseases, such as rheumatism and psoriasis, it is scientifically insufficiently established that chromium 6 is its (co) cause. This link is plausible, said immunologist internologist Cohen Tervaert at a hearing in the House of Representatives last week; Among his patients, he had many former employees with autoimmune diseases of this type.

Complementary Inquiry

Such a link must be shown during a subsequent inquiry. RIVM does this research, said Visser; his officials had already made contact with the research institute during the debate. How fast the search is done, Visser could not say, nor how the search is set up. "The RIVM is based on scientific evidence at one level, according to Cohen Tervaert, the evidence at level C is sufficient.If there is evidence at level C later, is that enough?", Asked the MP Diks (GroenLinks). Visser replied, "I will not tell RIVM how research should be done".

According to the PS, 70-90% of (former) employees are now excluded from the program, in part because their disorders are not recognized as chromium. -6-diseases. Compensation for non-material damage is subject to a collective agreement. Property damage (loss of income, medical expenses, home adjustment) is subject to an individual claim. To date, 932,000 euros have been paid to about 120 people, or 8,000 euros on average. The (former) employees complained that the plan was not sufficiently accessible

A More Generous Approach

The whole House – with the exception of the VVD – therefore insisted on adopting a a more generous approach, for example an additional fund for victims. Screwing does not feel inclined to adjust the diet: "It's fair and equitable." However, she promised to review the "deprivation clause", as requested by Bruins Slot (CDA), which is legally correct. but who feel unfair. "

The Defense will present an action plan by no later than March 1, 2019 to completely ban chromium 6. The Chamber believes that it takes too much time." This plan would initially be in August 2017, "he said. said Bruins Slot, "and a year and a half later, the Secretary of State needs four months."

Visser said that he wanted "chrome-6" as soon as possible, but not can not say exactly when, for example, the approval of chrome-free paint for aircraft by the Military Aviation Authority (MLA) takes time. "First, the Secretary of State hides behind the RIVM, then behind the MLA, "sneered Karabulut (SP) .In the end, the House subscribed to Visser's pledge to provide further clarification in a letter to the House on the difficult admission of chromium-free alternatives