Organic Fluorine Pollution In Rivers Reported
A Japanese Environment Ministry survey shows that the amount of organic fluorine compounds in rivers and groundwater exceeds its maximum allowable level at 21 locations. The chemicals were used in foam extinguishing agents and are described as toxic.
An increasing number of countries, including Japan, have been restricting the production and use of the compounds since their toxicity was pointed out.
Residues of such compounds -- known as PFOS and PFOA -- may still exist in high concentrations where they used to be produced.
The ministry conducted a survey of 143 locations across the country in the fiscal year that ended last March.
The provisional maximum allowable level for the compounds set by the ministry is 50 nanograms per liter of water.
Groundwater in the city of Osaka contained 5,500 nanograms per liter. That's 110 times the permissible level.
Spring water in Kadena town in the southern prefecture of Okinawa had 22 times the allowable level of organic fluorine compounds.
That water in both municipalities is not for drinking purposes, but the ministry is still warning residents not to consume it.