September 7, 2023

Over the issue of leakage of PFAS-containing firefighting foams from U.S. military bases and the issue of PFAS-contaminated drinking water, a nationwide organization against the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty (Anpo-Haki) on September 6 made representations to the ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs, demanding for on-site investigations by Japan's central and local governments.

Anpo-Haki representatives also demanded that details of all PFAS leak accidents at U.S. bases be made public.

Earlier on the day, they held a rally at the Upper House members' office building. Japanese Communist Party member of the House of Councilors Yamazoe Taku at the rally pointed out that Japan, under the environmental agreement to supplement the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, cannot conduct an on-site probe at its discretion without U.S. consent or without emergency distress calls on accidental spillage of PFAS.

Yamazoe stressed the need to have Japan's own safety standards regarding PFAS levels in drinking water and blood and to carry out a health survey of affected residents. He said that the central government should identify the sources of PFAS contamination and oblige those responsible to clean up the pollution and to take preventive measures.

Past related article:
> Defense Ministry admits to leaks of PFAS out of US Yokota Air Base [June 30, 2023]