'Forever chemicals' from US base in Tokyo fueling residents' fears

Mainichi Japan | September 8, 2023

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"Residents living near a U.S. military base in western Tokyo have been having deepening concerns about their health after a recent local study found many of them have excessive amounts of harmful substances, dubbed "forever chemicals," in their bloodstream.

After the government revealed last month that leakages had occurred from foam extinguishers containing polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, over a decade ago at Yokota Air Base, locals have grown increasingly suspicious that the incident could be related to their blood test results.

Yukio Negiyama, who lives in Hino in western Tokyo's Tama area, where the military facilities are located, is one of the many locals demanding detailed inspections and more information."