Japan's First PFAS Water Survey: 20% Detect Levels, None Exceed Limits

Nov 29, 2024, 03:56 AM

The Environment Ministry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in Japan released the results of the first nationwide survey on PFAS levels in drinking water on November 29. The survey, which involved 3,755 water utilities, found that as of September 30, no utilities exceeded the government's provisional target values for PFAS, potentially carcinogenic chemicals known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment. PFAS were detected in about 20% of water supplies, but all levels were within acceptable limits. PFAS are used in metal processing materials, food packaging, and firefighting foam. While 14 utilities exceeded target values in the previous fiscal year, all have now reported levels within the acceptable range.