The Netherlands acknowledges its responsibility for the use of PX10 detergent

(B2) In a letter addressed to the Lower House of the Netherlands, the State officially acknowledged, on Sunday, its responsibility for the illness of a former naval gunner. This one had been affected by Leukemia after having worked regularly with a PX-10 detergent. It seems clear as well as other soldiers who have health problems due to the use of volatile solvents (products containing benzene, toluene or xylene) - several dozen - could be concerned, indicates the ministry.

The cases are under review. This mainly concerns former employees in charge of the maintenance of weapons, but there are also
former torpedo maintainers and also civilian naval employees. Much of the work was done "unprotected, so hand contact with the substance was common." Another phenomenon more harmful to health than the intervention took place in confined atmospheres “unventilated, in small spaces, in particular on ships”. To make matters worse, in some cases, armories were used as places to eat or sleep. Since 1989, the PX-10 is no longer
really used because there are other substitutes.

(NGV)