In response to growing concerns over the presence of potentially harmful chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), Japan is set to commence a comprehensive three-year study to investigate their health impacts. The decision comes after alarming concentrations of PFAS were detected in various parts of the country, sparking anxiety among residents and health experts alike.
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are synthetic compounds found in everyday products such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and firefighting foams. Their resilience means they do not degrade over time, leading to accumulation in the environment and human body. This persistence raises red flags as PFAS exposure has been linked to serious health issues, including liver damage, thyroid disease, obesity, fertility problems, and certain types of cancer.
Recent investigations have uncovered high levels of PFAS in human blood samples and water sources, particularly in areas adjacent to Self-Defense Forces facilities, U.S. military bases, and industrial zones. Notably, concentrations exceeding government standards were reported near Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo and the U.S. Navy base in Yokosuka. Similar concerns have arisen in Fukushima Prefecture’s industrial parks and around chemical factories in Shizuoka Prefecture. In February 2023, PFAS levels in well water near the Seno River in Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, were found to be 300 times above the provisional limit of 50 nanograms per liter.
The upcoming government-led study, scheduled to begin around June 2024, will be a collaborative effort between Hokkaido University, Hyogo Medical University, and the National Institute of Health Sciences. Hokkaido University researchers will analyze blood samples from approximately 700 individuals, ranging from fetal stages to late teens, to assess the impact of 39 types of PFAS on fat metabolism and developmental processes.
Meanwhile, Hyogo Medical University will conduct experiments on mice to explore whether PFAS exposure suppresses the immune system and diminishes vaccination efficacy. The National Institute of Health Sciences will delve into the molecular mechanisms underlying PFAS toxicity, aiming to elucidate how these chemicals interact with the human body at a cellular level.
“This study is a critical step towards understanding the full extent of PFAS’s impact on human health,” commented a spokesperson from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. “The findings will inform future policies and regulations to protect our citizens from these persistent pollutants.”
As Japan joins other nations in grappling with the challenges posed by PFAS contamination, the study’s results are highly anticipated by both the scientific community and the general public. The government’s proactive approach reflects a growing commitment to address environmental health risks and ensure the well-being of its people.
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Japan to study health impact after PFAS detection raises concern
cgtn.com
