Regulation of Persistent Chemicals Urged - Schleswig-Holstein allocates €3.5M to combat toxic 'forever chemicals' in groundwater

Schleswig-Holstein has launched a €3.5 million programme to tackle 'forever chemicals' contaminating groundwater. Environment Minister Tobias Goldschmidt warned that PFAS—long-lasting chemicals found in everyday products—pose serious health risks to future generations. The move follows recent discoveries of high contamination levels at Hohn Air Base in the Rendsburg-Eckernförde district.

In February, tests revealed PFAS pollution in 31 wells at Hohn Air Base. The contamination stemmed from firefighting foam used during military exercises, which contained the harmful substances. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are widely used in items like outdoor clothing, non-stick cookware, and firefighting equipment. Once released, they persist almost indefinitely in water and soil.

Despite growing concerns, PFAS remain largely unregulated in water protection zones. The chemicals are suspected of causing cancer and disrupting hormone function. In response, the state's black-green coalition government has allocated €3.5 million over five years to monitor and address PFAS contamination in soil and groundwater. The initiative will help municipalities identify and clean up polluted sites. While no official count of contaminated areas exists nationwide, a pilot project for PFAS soil disposal is already underway in Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia. Minister Goldschmidt has also urged the EU to speed up regulations on these hazardous substances.

The new programme marks a proactive step in managing PFAS risks across Schleswig-Holstein. With €3.5 million earmarked for monitoring, local authorities will gain better tools to detect and reduce contamination. The push for stricter EU rules reflects broader concerns about the long-term impact of these chemicals on public health.