Approximately 48,000 liters of PFAS-contaminated water overflowed from a firefighting training area at the U.S. Yokota Air Base in western Japan during heavy rainfall in August, according to recent reports by the Asahi Shimbun citing the Tokyo metropolitan government.
Tokyo officials were notified of the incident on October 3 by the U.S. military through the Japanese Defense Ministry, over a month after the overflow occurred. The significant delay in reporting has caused concern among local authorities and residents.
On October 4, a council comprising officials from the metropolitan government and affected municipalities expressed deep regret over the delay to Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani. The council urged the national government to take responsibility for investigating the potential impact of the leak on groundwater and the environment.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of over 10,000 synthetic chemicals used in various products, including firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, and water-repellent clothing. PFOS and PFOA are two of the most studied PFAS compounds. These substances are persistent in the environment and have been linked to health issues such as reduced immunity and birthweight loss.
High concentrations of PFAS have previously been detected near Self-Defense Forces and U.S. military bases, as well as industrial areas in Japan. In June, Japan’s Food Safety Commission acknowledged that the health effects of PFAS are “undeniable,” marking its first health assessment of these substances.
Since last year, regions including Okinawa, Osaka, and Tokyo have reported excessive levels of PFAS in water bodies and abnormal blood test results among nearby residents, fueling public concern.
The recent leak at Yokota Air Base adds to the growing unease about PFAS contamination in Japan. Local communities are calling for transparency and swift action to address the potential environmental and health risks associated with these chemicals.
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PFAS-contaminated water leaked from U.S. army base in Japan in August
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