U.S. Military Removes Toxic Firefighting Foam from Bases in Japan

The U.S. military has successfully destroyed its final reserves of legacy aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) containing PFAS at bases across Japan. These efforts, announced by U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) in a recent statement, mark a significant step toward addressing the environmental and health risks posed by “forever chemicals.”

Compliance with Congressional Mandates

The U.S. Congress, through the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, initially mandated the cessation of AFFF use by October 1, 2023. However, the Department of Defense extended this deadline to October 1, 2025. According to USFJ, installations in Japan have already met the replacement requirement for the harmful firefighting foam. The AFFF stocks at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo and two Okinawa facilities — Kadena Air Base and an Army petroleum, oil, and lubricants depot — were incinerated at licensed disposal facilities within Japan.

Replacing PFAS-Containing Firefighting Foams

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic compounds associated with significant health risks, including increased rates of liver, testicular, breast, and pancreatic cancers. Often used in firefighting foams, PFAS compounds are notorious for their environmental persistence and bioaccumulation. These substances have also been detected in consumer products such as nonstick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics.

The U.S. military has replaced legacy AFFF formulations with new versions that exclude PFOS and PFOA as raw materials. Furthermore, U.S. installations in Japan are transitioning to fluorine-free foam (F3) containing no PFAS compounds or converting fire suppression systems to water-based alternatives. 

Ongoing Challenges and Concerns

Despite the progress, PFAS contamination remains a pressing issue at U.S. bases in Japan. Reports of PFAS spills and suspected leaks have emerged from numerous installations, including Misawa Air Base, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, and Yokosuka Naval Base. Nearby communities and municipal authorities have raised concerns about the contamination of drinking water sources and its potential health effects.

For example:

• Yokota Air Base experienced a PFAS-contaminated spill of approximately 167 gallons in early 2023, prompting fears of environmental impact despite claims that the spill was contained on base.
• Kadena Air Base and surrounding areas have reported severe groundwater contamination, linked to past use of AFFF during training exercises. Drinking water for nearly 450,000 residents was reportedly affected.
• Marine Corps Air Station Futenma has been at the center of disputes between the U.S. military and Okinawa Prefectural authorities over access to conduct independent environmental inspections.

Broader Efforts in Japanese Facilities

Japanese military installations co-hosting U.S. forces, such as Naval Air Facility Atsugi and Misawa Air Base, have also disposed of firefighting foams containing PFOS. USFJ confirmed that replacement products used at these sites do not contain PFOS as a raw material.

While the U.S. military’s actions to remove toxic firefighting foam and transition to safer alternatives represent progress, concerns about PFAS contamination and transparency remain. The lack of comprehensive access for Japanese authorities under the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) continues to limit independent investigations and remediation efforts.

The challenge of PFAS contamination underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between U.S. military forces, Japanese authorities, and local communities to ensure long-term environmental safety and public health.