Authorities in eastern France have issued a stark warning to 60,000 residents of Alsace following a water contamination.
Their tap water contains dangerously high levels of PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals.”
This alarming discovery has led to an immediate and strict tap water ban, prompting fears that this local crisis could be a chilling precursor for the rest of Europe.
Health alerts issued
The ban carries specific health warnings, particularly for vulnerable groups. Infants under two, individuals with compromised immune systems, and pregnant women are strongly advised to avoid tap water for the remainder of the year.
Residents are expressing profound fear and concern, with many voicing worries about ongoing exposure to these persistent chemicals.
Meanwhile, a growing sentiment suggests these substances could spread across the continent. This could leave local communities feeling “terrorised” by the prospect of unsafe, essential water.
Airport identified as source of toxic contamination
The Euro-Airport Basel-Mulhouse has been pinpointed as the primary source of this significant pollution surge. Investigations reveal that until 2017, the airport used firefighting foam treated with PFAS chemicals.
While this practice was legally mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) at the time, the airport ceased using PFAS-containing foams in January 2017.
In the meantime, outraged residents are now accusing authorities of deception regarding water quality and are vehemently demanding the airport fund the extensive cleanup operation.
This incident marks the first confirmed case in France where a commercial airport is definitively linked to such widespread environmental contamination, raising concerns that similar undisclosed cases may exist across Europe.
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