Environment

Japan Inspects U.S. Yokota Base over Suspected PFAS Leak

Yomiuri Shimbun file photo
The Yokota Air Base

Jiji Press

16:34 JST, December 20, 2024

TOKYO (Jiji Press) — Officials from the Japanese Defense Ministry and the Tokyo metropolitan government on Friday conducted an on-site inspection of the U.S. military’s Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo over a possible leak of PFAS, potentially carcinogenic chemicals.

They are inspecting a firefighting drill area where PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are believed to have spilled, while receiving a briefing from the U.S. side.

Local government officials had demanded an on-site inspection since October when the U.S. side informed Japan of the suspected leak.

The Japanese side plans to conduct water sampling at a reservoir at the base.

Japan will work with the United States to take effective environmental measures inside and outside the base, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said at a press conference.