It was on the mezzanine, a balcony-like floor that opens down to the factory, where the NMP leak was discovered. In the photo, taken earlier this summer, a person is seen working in close proximity to the leak on the floor above.
Norran has received multiple reports of safety issues at Northvolt in recent weeks. A particularly alarming concern involves leaks of N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), a substance confirmed by a factory insider.
Ilona Silins, a toxicologist at the Swedish Chemicals Agency (Kemikalieinspektionen), explains that NMP has been subject to EU regulations since 2018 due to its potential to cause fetal damage, eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shares these concerns, citing risks of liver and kidney damage, and even miscarriages from short-term exposure.
While NMP was once commonly used in consumer products, its primary application today is in industries such as lithium-ion battery production.
– Consumers are afforded protections, but those who work directly with the substance are not as safeguarded, says Silins.
A reliable source indicates that NMP is used at Northvolt and has leaked in parts of the factory this summer. Warning signs have been posted on the second-floor mezzanine.
The warning signs say that a work permit is required to work in the area and that pedestrian traffic is only allowed if it is for no longer than 15 minutes.
– These are dangerous chemicals. You can't be in the area for more than 15 minutes, but it's not a closed floor. It is completely open to the people working just below. They work all day, and there can be hundreds of people there, says the source.
A warning sign.
Alongside the warning signs is a list of apparent measurements. Toxicologist Ilona Silins states that NMP levels should not surpass 14.4 milligrams per cubic meter. However, the list suggests that this limit has been exceeded on specific dates. However, the exact nature of the measurements remains unclear, and Northvolt has declined to comment on the data
On this list next to the warning signs, it appears that NMP levels were recorded on different dates.
On an information sheet in the area, Northvolt writes: "Northvolt is currently investigating the issue with engineers to find a solution. NMP levels are monitored daily, and gas checks are performed regularly throughout the facility. Corridor doors remain open to prevent NMP buildup."
Northvolt is displaying this information sheet.
Dagens Arbete recently reported concerns about NMP leaks at Northvolt. A source told the newspaper, "If we smell NMP, we have to evacuate quickly. We can't even remove our protective gear before leaving the airlock. We can't return until the gas has dissipated."
Norran has been denied an in-person interview with Northvolt and has instead been provided with written responses, hindering our ability to ask follow-up questions. Matti Kataja, Northvolt's communications manager, wrote that they use both stationary and portable detectors to monitor NMP-related operations.
How are you safeguarding employees from the substance, considering the open layout and the presence of workers in the area below?
"The area is subject to a clear risk assessment and work instructions, and personal protective equipment is used accordingly. All staff are trained in these procedures and know how to respond to elevated levels," writes Kataja.
Norran has been informed of ventilation system issues at Northvolt. Despite repeated inquiries about whether these problems have been resolved and their potential impact on current emissions, Kataja has not provided a response.
Northvolt has put up several signs in the factory to encourage employees to prioritize safety.
Northvolt employees were previously exposed to NMP in June 2022, according to a report filed with the Swedish Work Environment Authority (Arbetsmiljöverket). Two workers were affected while emptying a tank.
Norran has been unable to find any reports to Arbetsmiljöverket regarding NMP leaks this summer. When asked if these incidents have been reported, Northvolt offered a vague response. Kataja stated, "We report and have reported leaks when required by Swedish law."
Employers bear ultimate responsibility for workplace safety and reporting incidents to Arbetsmiljöverket. However, this process often involves collaboration with the chief safety representative.
Mikael Stenmark, the chief safety representative, is unaware of the NMP leaks. He describes the situation as "frustrating".
But Mikael Stenmark, the chief safety representative at Northvolt, is unaware of the incident.
Shouldn't you be aware of this in your role as chief safety representative?
– Yes, I agree. It's concerning that I haven't heard about these leaks. I'll look into it, he says.
He confirms that measurements have been taken in the affected areas but lacks specific details. Describing the situation as "frustrating", he explains:
– It's a hell of a dilemma that there's a clear breakdown in communication between us and management. Information seems to be getting stuck at a middle level, despite our daily discussions of reports.
These discussions should cover anomalies, incidents, handling issues, and potential reports to Arbetsmiljöverket.
– But if something isn't raised there, I'm unaware of it, Stenmark points out.