Threat LensChemicalFrench police arrest activists targeting chemicals site

French police arrest activists targeting chemicals site

Type of event:
Chemical News, Hazards & Sustainability

Victims

Wounded

Date

March 2, 2024

What happened

Approximately 300 individuals from the Extinction Rebellion and Youth for Climate groups breached fences to access the Arkema facility at the Pierre-Bénite factory near Lyon in southeastern France. Environmental activists infiltrated a French chemical facility to protest against the production of PFAS compounds, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” resulting in eight arrests.

PFAS, or Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, comprise a group of approximately 4,000 chemical compounds commonly known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistent nature in the human body and the environment. Experts have linked exposure to certain PFAS types with significant health consequences.

Where it happened

Main sources