News On Japan

Blood Tests Reveal 30% Face Health Risks from Carcinogenic PFAS Compounds

TOKYO, Aug 12 (News On Japan) - Approximately 30% of people tested showed levels of concern in blood tests for the carcinogenic organic fluorine compounds known as PFAS, according to experts.

PFAS, once commonly used in non-stick coatings for frying pans, have been linked to cancer, leading to a ban on their production and import in Japan.

In August last year, PFAS levels 520 times higher than the national target were detected in groundwater in Settsu City, Osaka Prefecture. Following this, Associate Professor Harada from Kyoto University conducted blood tests on 1,190 volunteers.

The results, reported on the 11th, revealed that about 30% of those tested had levels exceeding the threshold for health concerns.

Experts are now calling on Osaka Prefecture to conduct further blood tests and water quality investigations.

Source: YOMIURI

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