Japan inspects US Air Base over chemical leaks

Tokyo

Japanese authorities have conducted an inspection of the US Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo following concerns over a possible chemical leak. The inspection was prompted by the discovery that water contaminated with Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) may have overflowed from the base, local media reported on Friday.

The leak was first reported two months ago when the US military informed Japan that PFAS-laden water had leaked from an area where a firefighting drill was underway. On Friday, officials from various Japanese government bodies, including the defence, foreign, and environment ministries, as well as local municipalities, entered the base to investigate the site of the suspected leak.

The inspectors focused on the firefighting training area where the contamination was believed to have occurred. Water samples from the reservoir in the area are expected to be taken in the coming days. Fumitoshi Sato, Japan’s Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, stated, "This inspection was conducted in response to the fears and concerns of local residents, and we will continue to work together with the US side."

PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their slow breakdown, are used in products like fire extinguishers. These substances can accumulate in the environment and living organisms, raising health concerns. The US military has already ceased using PFAS-based extinguishers, but past investigations have revealed high levels of contamination in local reservoirs.

The Japanese food safety panel has linked PFAS exposure to health issues such as reduced birth weight and weakened immunity, though its cancer-causing potential remains uncertain.