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

   Tokyo, Dec. 20 (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.

(2024/12/20-15:09)