Japan’s Defense Ministry reports decade-old PFAS chemical spills at US air base in Tokyo

By Seth Robson and Hana Kusumoto | Stars and Stripes | July 6, 2023

Read the full article by Seth Robson and Hana Kusumoto (Stars and Stripes)

"Firefighting suppressant with toxic PFAS was spilled three times at the home of U.S. Forces Japan in western Tokyo between 2010 and 2012 but local authorities were informed only recently, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government said Wednesday.

The Kanto Defense Bureau — an arm of Japan’s Ministry of Defense — alerted Tokyo officials about the spills on Tuesday, according to a statement on the metro government’s website. It does not say when the Air Force informed the bureau about the incidents.

PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are commonly found in household products such as electronics, paint or water-repellent clothing, as well as fire extinguishing foam widely used at locations such as airports, factories and military bases, according to the Environmental Protection Agency."