Military locations in Schleswig-Holstein: Dangerous PFAS chemicals exposed!

military locations in Schleswig-Holstein, including Rendsburg-Eckernförde, are suspected of being burdened with PFAS chemicals. This was in a report by KN-Online highlighted. PFAs (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds) include over 10,000 different substances that are known for their fat, dirt and water-repellent properties. Problems arise in particular from the use of PFAS-containing fire foam on these locations, which leads to contamination of soil and groundwater. Contamination has already been found at the NATO airports in Hohn and Schleswig; Other locations, such as the marine location in Eckernförde, are also suspected.

Almost all military locations in Schleswig-Holstein are considered suspicion areas for PFAS pollution. While the Bundeswehr and the lower soil protection authority are currently in no danger to the population, the situation is still worrying. Refurbishment decisions are made on a case -by -case basis, depending on the results of the terrain examinations. High PFAS concentrations in the groundwater make renovation difficult. The VSR water protection association has started to collect data for fountain water pollution in the region.

health risks and European developments

PFAS are known for causing organ damage, cancer and negative effects to the immune system and fertility. These chemicals are also referred to as "eternal drives" because they are stable and accumulate in the environment and in organisms. In Germany, Pfas were detected in over 1,500 locations; In Europe, the number is more than 17,000 contaminated places. In 2023, five EU countries, including Germany, submitted a proposal for a PFAS ban on the European chemical agency. The Federal Environment Agency recommends a replacement of PFAS-containing extinguishing agents through fluorine-free alternatives.

A report by the Environmental Working Group (EEC) also revealed that over 700 military locations in the United States are probably contaminated with PFAs, which illustrates the global dimension of the problem. According to the EEC, a comprehensive review of the Ministry of Defense (DOD) identified records of additional locations with confirmed PFAS detections in drinking water and groundwater. According to the EEC, there are 455 locations with proven PFAS detections and 255 more with suspected contamination. Here, too, PFAs are known as "eternal chemicals", which cannot simply break down and accumulate in the body, which can result in health risks for those affected. These developments show the need for a more intensive examination of PFAS in a global context, such as ewg.org reported.