Japan’s food safety panel has released its first health assessment of PFAS chemicals, concluding that these substances have undeniable effects on birthweight loss and reduced immunity. The panel stated that evidence is still limited in regards to the potential of PFAS to cause cancer, although concerns about cancer risks prompted this assessment.
PFAS are commonly used in a variety of products such as frying pan coatings and water-repellent clothing. High concentrations of these chemicals have been found near Self-Defense Forces and U.S. military bases, as well as in industrial areas in Japan. The allowable daily intake of the two most common forms of PFAS, PFOS and PFOA, is set at 20 nanograms per 1 kilogram of body weight for each substance. However, the government currently has a provisional cap of 50 nanograms per liter for tap water and rivers, which may be subject to review based on the recent assessment and ongoing nationwide survey on PFAS concentrations in tap water.
In fiscal year 2022, a study conducted by the Environment Ministry found that in 38 out of Japan’s 47 prefectures, 16 had cases where PFAS concentrations exceeded the government threshold. As a result, discussions on potentially revising the provisional cap are expected to take place. The need to further assess the health impacts of PFAS chemicals is becoming increasingly urgent, especially with growing concerns about their potential risks.
