Concentrations of two organic fluorine compounds, PFAS, which have been shown to be harmful, were detected in waterways in Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, at concentrations 80 times higher than the national provisional target value. Higashihiroshima City is calling on residents in the area to refrain from drinking well water, and will conduct a more detailed investigation in the future.

Among the organic fluorine compounds PFAS, two types, PFOS and PFOA, have been pointed out to be harmful, and their manufacture and import are prohibited in Japan.

Higashihiroshima City tested water sampled on the 27th of last month and found that 4,000 nanograms of PFOS and PFOA were detected per liter in a waterway in Soyoshi, Hachihonmatsu Town, which is 80 times the national provisional target value. It was announced on the 26th.



Since 18 households live in the area, Higashihiroshima City is asking people to refrain from drinking the well water.



In addition, at two points on the Seno River connected to the waterway where high concentrations were detected, concentrations of 250 nanograms per liter and 170 nanograms per liter, respectively, exceeding the national provisional target value, were detected. We are conducting a detailed investigation to determine the source of the outbreak.



There is an American military ammunition depot near the waterway where high concentrations were detected. This means that they were asked to report on the amount.

``PFAS'' health impact assessment draft finalized

A working group of the National Food Safety Commission has compiled a draft health impact assessment for organic fluorine compounds, PFAS, which have been detected one after another in rivers across the country and have been pointed out to be harmful. also showed acceptable quantity indicators.



Among the many types of organic fluorine compounds, PFAS, PFOS and PFOA, which have been pointed out to be harmful, have been detected in high concentrations in rivers and tap water throughout the country. has set provisional target values ​​for water quality.



Regarding this, the Food Safety Commission has set up a working group to evaluate the health effects of PFAS when it enters the body through drinking water or food, and compiled a draft evaluation report on the 26th.



According to the report, domestic and international studies have reported a relationship with some cancers, but the evidence is limited, and the results of animal experiments suggest that there is no problem with daily intake of PFOS and PFOA. In each case, we have shown an index of 20 nanograms per kilogram of body weight.



This is approximately equivalent to the current provisional target value for water quality in the country.



In addition, the draft evaluation document pointed out that although the general dietary habits do not pose any significant health risks, there is a lack of information on the health effects of the substance, so it is necessary to take measures such as reducing intake as much as possible.



The draft evaluation report will be formally compiled in the future and will be used to discuss matters such as official national water quality targets.

Expert: ``A foundation has been established''

Commenting on the report, Koji Harada, an associate professor at the Kyoto University Graduate School who is a member of the Ministry of the Environment's expert panel discussing PFAS countermeasures and is an expert on the health effects of environmental pollution, said, ``At the very least, the effects of PFAS have been shown to affect lipid metabolism, cholesterol levels, and children's health. It has been evaluated that there seems to be a relationship with children's weight at birth.There are differing opinions among experts as to whether or not it is harmful, but at least knowledge regarding epidemiology has increased significantly. "This is the first time that the risk of PFAS has been assessed by the government in Japan, and we can say that we have established a foundation."