Japan Conducts Inspection at US Air Base Due to Chemical Contamination Concerns
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Tokyo, Dec 20 (NationPress) Japanese authorities have carried out an on-site examination of the US Yokota Air Base located in western Tokyo due to concerns that water tainted with Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) may have overflowed from the base, as reported by local media on Friday.
The investigation was initiated two months after the US military notified Japanese officials that water containing PFAS synthetic chemicals had leaked from a section of the base where firefighting exercises were being conducted.
Officials from the ministry of defense, foreign ministry, environment ministry, Tokyo's metropolitan government, and local municipalities entered the base on Friday morning, as cited by Xinhua news agency in a Kyodo News report.
They examined the area designated for firefighting training where the leak was suspected to have taken place, and plans were made to collect water samples from the reservoir in the firefighting training zone in the future, according to the report.
"This inspection was initiated in response to the apprehensions and worries expressed by local residents, and we will continue to cooperate with the US authorities," stated Fumitoshi Sato, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, to reporters.
PFAS, utilized in a variety of products including fire extinguishing agents, is referred to as "forever chemicals" due to its slow breakdown rate and potential for accumulation in humans, animals, plants, and the environment.
The US military stationed in Japan has already ceased the use of fire extinguishers that contain PFAS, yet previous investigations by the US had revealed reservoir levels significantly exceeding Japan's nonbinding interim standards.
Japan's food safety panel had previously determined that the impact of PFAS on reduced birth weight and compromised immunity is "undeniable," although "evidence is limited" regarding its potential to induce cancer.
On October 3, Tokyo officials received a report from the US military via the defense ministry indicating that approximately 48,000 liters of PFAS-contaminated water had overflowed from the firefighting training area at the base during heavy rains on August 30.
