Toxic military contaminated sites massively harmful for residents
Created: 10/24/2022, 12:18 p.m
By: Felix Herz
Harmful contaminated sites of the Bundeswehr: Many locations in Bavaria are still contaminated (symbol image).
© Björn Trotsky / IMAGO
Many locations in Bavaria are contaminated with PFAS substances by the Bundeswehr.
This is sometimes extremely harmful to the health of local residents.
Zell – PFAS are chemicals, the abbreviation stands for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, which are also known as PFCs.
It is a harmful group of substances that, according to the European Environmental Agency (EEA), contains more than 4,700 chemical substances and contaminates water, groundwater and soil at numerous locations in Bavaria - the main reasons for this are airfields of the German Armed Forces.
PFAS chemicals: Harmful legacy of the Bundeswehr
The problem with PFAS: They are considered to be extremely durable substances that can be detected in the environment and in the human body for a long time.
Many of the chemicals contained in this group of substances are in some cases massively harmful to human health.
According to the EEA, they "can lead to health problems such as liver damage, thyroid disease, obesity, fertility problems and cancer."
PFAS have been used since the 1950s to make fabrics water, dirt and grease repellent, among other things.
They are therefore used, for example, in outdoor clothing, according to the BR.
In Bavaria, PFAS mainly got into the environment through industrial and military locations, the latter used the chemicals primarily when using extinguishing foam, which was used especially at airfields.
For a long time this was possible without any problems - science only discovered later how harmful the chemical substances can be.
PFAS substances: Almost everywhere and yet unknown
(By the way: Our Bayern newsletter informs you about all the important stories from Bavaria. Register here.)
PFAS residues in Bavaria: The “forever chemicals” in the environment
Another problem: PFAS are so-called "forever chemicals".
The substances do not decompose through sunlight or other natural influences, they remain in the environment.
To get rid of them permanently, you have to burn them below at least 1,000 degrees - a method that would completely destroy soils in the long term.
In order to get the chemical pollution under control, the affected areas must be extensively remediated, and special conditions apply to the residents.
also read
price error?
Kaufland customers from Bavaria discover 1-cent items on the voucher – and stock up on larger ones
Cyclist crashes head-on into pedestrians – accident in Upper Bavaria ends fatally
According to BR, people in Manching are not allowed to water their gardens with water from the fountain, in Neuburg an der Donau there is a consumption warning for fish from ponds next to the airfield.
According to BR, ten locations in Bavaria are affected by PFAS contamination, nine more are suspected cases.
What to do about PFAS contamination?
Activated carbon filters, which at least make the tap water drinkable again, can also help.
Such are used in Altötting, for example, but they often have to be replaced.
American researchers now want to have discovered a method to get rid of PFAS chemicals more easily and quickly.
According to
geo.de
, they developed a process in which "maximum temperatures of 120 degrees Celsius, commercially available solvents and a few chemical substances" are sufficient to eliminate the PFAS.
PFAS are not just a Bavarian or German problem;
A new cleaning project has been running in Antwerp since September to curb chemical pollution.
© Belga / IMAGO
Department of Defense considers PFAS issue high priority
The Federal Ministry of Defense is aware of the problem of the PFAS substance group.
Employees are working on solutions with high priority, writes the BR.
But the processes take time - because of conditions and specifications that have to be observed.
If you don't act properly and accordingly, the problem could get worse, they say.
In addition, the renovations are not only a question of time, but also of costs.
Since the full scope and extent of PFAS contamination in Bavaria is not yet known, no final statements can be made about the costs.
However, experts are already assuming that the costs could run into the billions.
(fhz)
All news and stories from Bavaria can now also be found on our brand new Facebook page Merkur Bayern.
