JAPAN INSPECTS US YOKOTA AIR BASE OVER POSSIBLE CHEMICAL LEAKAGE

TOKYO, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- The Japanese government announced on Friday that it has conducted an on-site inspection of the US Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo amid concerns over the potential leakage of PFAS chemicals, which are known to pose risks to human health.

Officials from Japan’s defence, foreign and environment ministries, along with representatives from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and local municipalities, inspected the base’s firefighting training area, Kyodo news agency reported.

According to the Japanese Defence Ministry, this area is suspected to have used firefighting foam containing PFAS, or poly-fluoroalkyl substances.

Addressing public concerns, Defence Minister Gen Nakatani stated in a press conference that the government is committed to ensuring that "environmental measures in and around US military facilities in Japan will be effective."

The inspection followed requests from nearby municipalities after the US informed Japan in October about the potential leakage of water containing PFAS from the firefighting training site during heavy rainfall in late August.

PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," are used in various products, including firefighting foam, due to their resistance to heat and chemicals.

However, they degrade extremely slowly and can accumulate in humans, animals and the environment, raising significant health and ecological concerns.

While the US military in Japan has ceased using PFAS-containing extinguishers, previous American investigations revealed reservoir contamination levels far exceeding Japan’s non-binding interim standards.

The Japanese government’s inspection is part of ongoing efforts to address local concerns and monitor environmental impacts related to US military bases.

-- BERNAMA-KYODO