People who drink tap water warned as 'dangerous' substance found
The warning comes as 60,000 people have been told they can't drink tap water for the rest of the year - and the warning is about to spread across Europe
60,000 residents of Alsace, eastern France, have been told by the local government that it had found dangerously high levels of PFAs
A French region has issued a tap water ban, sparking concerns that it could serve as a "warning" for the rest of Europe. The local government in Alsace, eastern France, has alerted its 60,000 residents about dangerously high levels of PFAs – also known as 'forever chemicals' – detected in the water supply.
Those considered to be in high-risk groups – including children under two, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women – have been advised to avoid consuming tap water for the remainder of the year.
One local resident expressed their fears to the Guardian: "I find it scary. Even if we stop drinking it we will be exposed to it and we can't really do anything." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
Séverine Maistre, a resident of Saint-Louis who previously worked in clinical drug trials, believes this is just the beginning. "Currently we are talking about peaks here and there ... [But the chemicals] will be everywhere in France."
"It will be the same in Germany, in Switzerland, in the UK, and everywhere."
A 70 year old woman added: "Even if we are not fragile we are scared. We are terrorised – this is about water, without which we cannot live."
Article continues below
The Euro-Airport Basel-Mulhouse has been identified as the source of the significant increase in PFAs levels.
According to a press release, the airport used firefighting foam treated with PFAS chemicals until 2017, Birmingham Live reports.
These Icao (International Civil Aviation Organisation) certified firefighting foams were legally required until 2017.
Since January 2017, the airport has ceased using foams containing PFAS.
Thierry Litzler, vice-president of Saint-Louis urban area with responsibility for water in the district, said: "Things went quickly from the moment we had the information."
He commented: "To know why a state service did do – or did not do – more than eight years ago, for me, it's not the subject of the moment ... I do not have the right to judge it today.
"In France, we had faith in water – but that's broken," expressed Bruno Wollenschneider, head of Adra (Association de Défense des Riverains de l'Aéroport de Bâle Mulhouse), a residents' association with 200 members.
"Authorities lied to us, they tricked us," he declared, adding: "The airport is responsible.
"Water is a public good. The last thing is the law to force the authorities to act and make the airport pay – we don't have the choice.
Article continues below
"It is the first time in France where a commercial airport is known to be the cause of pollution. There are likely others," Wollenschneider revealed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
22 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Terrified mum shares the chilling nursery snap of her toddler that saved his life – but can you spot the hidden killer?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LAURA Davies claims a photo of her son playing at nursery "saved his life" by revealing a potentially fatal hidden cancer. The picture caught a strange cloudiness in two-year-old Sidney's eye, which was actually a sign of retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer that can affect young children. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Laura Davies says a snap of her son having fun at nursery saved his life Credit: Kennedy News 6 Sidney was diagnosed with retinoblastoma on May 19 and had to have his eye removed Credit: Kennedy News 6 Laura said her husband Tom Davies with their two sons Credit: Kennedy News "I've got to be honest I probably wouldn't have noticed it [without the picture]," the 39-year-old mum-of-two from Flintshire, said. Laura said her husband Tom Davies, 39, first noticed a strange cloudiness in their two-year-old son Sidney's left eye in April when it hit the light. "He was basically sat in his high chair opposite the French doors in our kitchen and my husband was like, 'his eye doesn't look right," she recalled. The mum searched online for information relating to cloudy eyes but all that came up was information about cataracts so she just made a mental note to keep tabs. But when Sidney's nursery took a snap of him as he enjoyed a day in the sensory room, the camera flash revealed his left eye was cloudy compared to his right. "It was almost like it was reflecting the light, it's really hard to describe. It was like his eye wasn't there, it was like a mirror," Laura said. After a visit to her GP and Specsavers, Sidney was eventually referred to Birmingham Children's Hospital and had an ultrasound. He was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a cancer which starts in the retina, the inner layer in the back of the eye, on May 19. Doctors diagnose around 40 to 50 children with retinoblastoma in the UK every year, according to Cancer Research UK. Almost 99 to 100 out of every 100 children diagnosed survive for five years or more after they are diagnosed. Vision Express appointment saves life of baby girl diagnosed with deadly eye cancer, retinoblastoma "It was horrendous," the mum said. "We were so worried." Docs decided the best course of action would be to remove the eye and brave Sidney underwent the op on 27 May. Initially this really concerned Laura. "All the thoughts run through your head of how they are going to cope in school and kids are horrible and things like that. "But I was also looking at it [the eye] and thinking, 'I just want it out' because you could literally see it [the cancer]." She said it was "so scary" to watch their young so endure so many operations. "I think we went into mum and dad mode," she explained. "You kind of just get through it. 6 The picture caught a strange cloudiness in the two-year-old's eye Credit: Kennedy News 6 The tot is doing very well without his eye Credit: Kennedy News "Afterwards when we found out that he was okay and he didn't need any chemotherapy then it all hit me if I'm honest. "I burst out crying [when he got the all clear]. It was such a relief." Sidney currently has a temporary plastic shell fitted in his eye socket called a conformer but is undergoing another operation in July to have a prosthetic eye fitted. Laura said docs also discovered Sidney's retina was torn and had come away from the back of his eye, which can cause vision loss. They were not sure how long it had been since he had been able to see out of his left eye. "I don't know whether it was bothering him before, whether it was blurry. We'll never know really," the mum said. 'A new lease of life' The tot will have to wear protective goggles when he plays sport but other than that Laura hopes her son will be largely unaffected by the prosthetic. "In terms of the effects on him it's been quite minimal because he's already dealt with that himself, not being able to see out of that eye," she explained. "He will go down the steps very carefully unlike my other son who is older and who's like a bull at a gate. "You sort of think back and think, 'maybe that's why?' but he's a happy boy, he showed no signs of this. We didn't notice that he couldn't see out of his eye." She added: "It's funny because people have said when they see him on the school run and things that he's got a new lease of life. Laura's husband is taking part in a sponsored walk up and down Moel Famau, the highest hill in the Clwydian Range, 12 times in 12 hours with family and friends to raise money for Birmingham Children's hospital. The have launched a JustGiving page, wich has already raised £955 of it's £1000 target. The distance will be around 40 miles in total and Laura said she and their two children are planning to join him for the last summit. Symptoms of retinoblastoma Most children with retinoblastoma seem fine. But two common signs that parents first notice in their child are that: they have a white glow or white reflection in the centre of their eye (pupil) - this is also known as leukocoria their eyes are not looking in the same direction (a squint) - also known as strabismus The pupil might look white, like a cat's eye reflecting light. This is sometimes noticed in photos when a flash is used. The pupil appears white rather than the typical red colour. Other less common symptoms might include: you or the school noticing your child can't see properly inflammation and reddening of their eye uncontrollable movement of their eye from side to side (nystagmus) Children do not usually complain of any pain. In very few cases, a child might be referred to a specialist children's doctor (paediatrician) because they are: not gaining weight developing normally During their tests, the abnormal retinoblastoma gene usually shows up in a blood test. Specsavers Broughton Park Ophthalmic director Kelly Gibson said: "We're incredibly grateful that Laura attended with her son, Sidney, to see us after being alerted by a concern from his nursery. "It's reassuring to know that I was able to ensure he received the urgent care he needed. "We're relieved that his condition was caught early, and he received treatment in a timely manner. "Stories like this are a powerful reminder of how important it is to attend for an eye examination if you ever notice a change or feel that something isn't quite right with your eyes. "It also highlights the importance of eye examinations for children, whether it is due to a concern or a routine review, we look after all ages. "An eye examination can sometimes uncover signs of more serious health conditions, and acting early can make all the difference."
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'I've lived to 106 thanks to eating one thing every single day'
"I've got no aches and pains. I don't take any tablets or medications. I never see a doctor" A WWII veteran celebrating his 106th birthday has revealed the secret to his long life - eating one sweet food every single day. Great-great grandfather Leslie Lemon, from Aylesbury, Bucks., favours Bird's custard but always has a tin of Ambrosia's ready made in the pantry for emergencies. His current favourite treat is rhubarb and custard - but is also partial to trifle and custard - and prefers his sweet treat cold. He celebrated his 106th birthday this week - having been born on July 1, 1919. Mr Lemon, a corporal in WWII, said: "The secret to a long life is custard. Rhubarb from the garden and custard. "I eat it every day. I prefer it cold. It's nice in a trifle. You can't beat it. I usually have the powder but I've got a ready made Ambrosia in the pantry for emergencies. You should always have a pudding." Mr Lemon has now been retired for longer than he worked - having worked as an 'office boy' for Inland Revenue, now HM Revenue & Customs until he was 60 in 1979. He served as a corporal, from 1939 to 1946, throughout WWII and received the Légion d'honneur medal from the French government five years ago. The great-great-grandfather-of-two said, despite turning 106: "I don't feel older at all. "I've got no aches and pains. I don't take any tablets or medications. I never see a doctor." Mr Lemon, who has eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, said his second favourite food was fish and chips. He added: "You can put custard with apples, gooseberries, any fruit from the garden." For his 100th birthday, he was given his own Bird's custard jug. He has received three cards from royalty which sit on his mantle - a letter from Queen Elizabeth II on his 100th birthday and two from King Charles and Camilla for his 105th and 106th birthdays. As for his advice for growing older, Mr Lemon, originally from Ealing, London, said: "Everything in moderation. I'm so lucky and I'm quite happy. The thing that has changed the most is video calls. I can't work it myself. I'm a bit old fashioned." Mr Lemon married his wife Doreen in 1944 and remained together until her death in 1999. They had three children - Michael, Mary and Richard - but Mary sadly died from hepatitis caused by polluted seawater when she was ten. Youngest son Richard, 73, said: "When we were growing up, we always had fresh fruit and veg - no one froze things in the 50s. "Dad is a believer in that you should always have pudding and he's had custard as long as I can remember." Mr Lemon has also been honoured with a year's supply of free custard from Asda. An Asda spokesperson said: 'We'll all be taking a leaf out of Mr Lemon's book and enjoying more custard going forward, we hope he enjoys a free year's supply on us. "When life gives you lemons add custard!' Mr Lemon's family said: "He's absolutely delighted. He'll probably put it all under his bed."
The Guardian
6 hours ago
- The Guardian
‘Forever chemicals' in school uniforms could be banned under proposed law
The volume of microplastics and potentially harmful 'forever chemicals' in school uniforms should be restricted, experts have said, as they urge peers to back two amendments to a crucial bill. The children's wellbeing and schools bill, which applies mainly to England and Wales and is at committee stage in the House of Lords, is poised to introduce new regulation on the cost of school uniform items, as well as the number of branded uniform items schools can require pupils to wear. But emerging evidence of the environmental and human health risks of synthetic fibres and Pfas 'forever chemicals', which are used as stain and water resistance agents, has led to concerns about the fabrics and chemicals used in their manufacture. Pfas, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, is an umbrella term for a family of thousands of chemicals that degrade extremely slowly. Some have been linked to health problems including high cholesterol, fertility issues, immune system disorders, kidney disease, birth defects, some cancers and a range of other serious health problems. 'What we're failing to grasp is the cocktail effect, which is the fact that all of us, but particularly our children, are being exposed to microplastics and nanoplastics,' said Natalie Bennett, the Green party peer, who has backed both amendments. 'We're being exposed to Pfas, we're being exposed to pesticides. And the level of all of these things is mounting up all of the time.' Lady Bennett added: 'The phrase 'cocktail effect' comes from river campaigners who started to focus on the environmental impact of this. But actually [this is] what's happening to human bodies.' Amendment 202A to the children's bill calls for an almost immediate ban on the use of Pfas in school uniforms, and a requirement for manufacturers to provide a digital product passport listing the chemicals. Amendment 202B calls for action to be taken within 12 months on uniforms that could 'endanger the health or safety of persons [or] cause unreasonable public health or environmental health risk', with a specific emphasis on artificial fibres. In 2021, synthetic fibres made up 64% of the total global fibre production for the apparel industry, but clear data on the proportion of school uniforms made of polyester, nylon or other synthetic materials is not available. Anecdotal evidence suggests most uniforms are made from synthetic materials, however, with alternatives made from natural fibres marketed as exceptions. There has been longstanding concern about the impact of synthetic fibres on the environment, with those derived from petrochemicals persisting for thousands of years and shedding billions of plastic microfibres into ecosystems. But more recent research has shown these microfibres, defined as synthetic fibres of less than 5mm in length, are also infiltrating human bodies, with studies having identified them in human blood, semen, lungs, breast milk, bone marrow, placenta, testicles and brains. Scientists have found that synthetic fibres do not have to be discarded, or even subjected to the stress of a washing machine cycle, to begin shedding microfibres, with clothing shedding up to 400 fibres per gram of fabric during just 20 minutes of normal wear. 'It's obviously breathed in,' Bennett said. 'So you know, you run for the bus in your blazer, you're probably taking in great gulps of plastics, straight into your lungs and potentially into your bloodstream. And also of course, you know, you touch it and then you touch your mouth and you can also orally ingest it.' Sign up to Down to Earth The planet's most important stories. Get all the week's environment news - the good, the bad and the essential after newsletter promotion The health impacts of plastic microfibres remain uncertain, but initial research has suggested they could increase the risk of various conditions such as oxidative stress or cardiovascular disease. Bennett added: 'My broader frame of this is planetary boundaries … One of them is so-called novel entities, which for my shorthand is pesticides, pharmaceuticals and plastics. And we have exceeded the planetary boundary for novel entities. 'And so that's where it's sort of the whole cocktail effect argument comes in, you know, we are poisoning this planet, we are on a poisoned planet, and we're poisoning our own bodies.' Dr David Santillo, senior scientist at Greenpeace Research Laboratories, said: 'Most parents are probably not aware that the uniforms their children are required to wear may be treated with a mix of forever chemicals, something that is almost impossible to tell from the label. Although some Pfas are already banned in textiles, there are many more still in widespread use. Only a ban on the whole group will be effective in reducing children's exposure to these chemicals while they are at school. 'Action on school uniforms should go hand in hand with a wider ban on the use of any Pfas in any children's textiles, so that it is not a lottery of exposure based on what your child is wearing. Forever chemicals have no place in everyday consumer clothing and should be phased out in all but essential uses in specialised workwear.' Ruth Chambers, a senior fellow at the Green Alliance, said: 'Toxic chemicals in school uniforms are yet another example of why we need stronger chemicals laws. Before Brexit, the UK was parts of the world's gold standard system for regulating chemicals, which restricted or banned hundreds of substances linked to health concerns like cancer, but our protections have significantly weakened since then. 'The government should commit to catch up with EU standards in its legally binding environmental improvement plan, and it should work towards fully banning the use of these harmful chemicals to protect people and nature.'
