PFAS levels found to exceed gov't cap in 22 of Japan's 47 prefectures

Japan Today | April 26, 2025

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"Potentially harmful PFAS chemicals have been detected at high levels in rivers and groundwater across 22 of Japan's 47 prefectures, a government survey conducted in fiscal 2023 showed Friday.

The survey, which covered approximately 2,000 sites in 39 prefectures, found that PFAS levels exceeded the government's provisional cap of 50 nanograms per liter in 242 locations. The highest level was detected in groundwater in Settsu, Osaka Prefecture, at 26,000 nanograms per liter, or 520 times the upper target.

PFAS is a general term for a group of over 10,000 artificial chemicals that include PFOS, or perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, and PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid. They are used in various products, such as frying pan coatings and water-repellent clothing."