Policymakers and residents alike have become concerned by a spreading environmental disaster involving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This need is particularly acute in the coastal regions, such as Saint-Louis, France. Valued for their outstanding non-stick and indestructible qualities, these chemicals are quickly emerging as one of this country’s worst public health disasters. Their persistence in the environment—staying chemically stable for hundreds of years—has led to legacy contamination that continues to harm toxic ecosystems and human health.
PFAS contamination has reached crisis levels all over Europe, with more than 23,000 sites found to be contaminated. These substances have made their way into our drinking water, soil, and everything from fish to birds, impacting ecosystems on all 7 continents. The urgency of the situation has prompted the European Union to announce a new regulatory measure: by January 2026, a threshold of 0.1 micrograms per liter of PFAS will be enforced for drinking water. Currently, Europe has no binding, legally enforceable PFAS limits in drinking water. This dangerous reality has alarmed residents and public health officials.
In Saint-Louis, a small town near the Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport, residents have become acutely aware of the dangers posed by these substances. Bruno Wollenschneider, a local community leader, took initiative by sending blood samples from ten members of a resident association for PFAS analysis. The results revealed alarming statistics: the highest level recorded was 22 micrograms per liter (µg/l) of blood, while the average PFAS level among those tested was 14.9 µg/l. Not surprisingly, these levels are greatly exceeding what would be considered safe. Appropriate long-term exposure can injure people who have blood concentrations greater than 6.9 µg/l.
In Saint-Louis, the contamination is a direct result of the airport’s heavy use of firefighting foams. These foams have had PFAS in them for over thirty years. The local community is rightfully shocked, hurt, and angered by this breach of trust. Residents share their concerns over the serious and lasting consequences of PFAS exposure on their physical and mental health.
“If people had been warned by the authorities, we could have protected ourselves, instead of continuing to drink water.” – Bruno Wollenschneider
Yet the emotional toll on the community is obvious. As one resident quoted in the Houston Chronicle said of such threats, “It’s terrifying. One 70-year-old woman stated, “We are terrorised – this is about water, without which we cannot live.” And many of you do, too, as we found with our recent Creative Concerns Survey. Even individuals who consider themselves healthy are concerned about developing health effects associated with PFAS exposure.
Thierry Litzler, a local official involved in assessing the contamination, reflected on the slow response from authorities over the years.
“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.” – Thierry Litzler
His remarks highlight a national accountability gap and the urgent need for action and leadership to restore communities facing environmental hazards. Residents have long expressed anger at the failure to communicate the risk of contamination.
“Even if we are not fragile we are scared,” – a concerned resident.
Another local, Wiedemann, stated that health issues started soon after relocating to Saint-Louis.
“The health problems started when I arrived here. I am wondering if there is a link, but I could never prove that,” – Wiedemann
The consequences of PFAS contamination are not only a matter of individual health. They are a threat to entire ecosystems. Scientists have recorded negative impacts on more than 600 species around the world because of how these chemicals behave. Because of the persistent nature of PFAS, once they are introduced into an environment, they can continue to disrupt ecosystems for generations.
In particular, Wollenschneider stressed how unprecedented a situation this was in France, and how important an example Saint-Louis stands as, to serve as a case study.
“It is the first time in France where a commercial airport is known to be the cause of pollution. There are likely others,” – Wollenschneider
This sentiment among residents is indicative of a widespread loss of faith in the safety of our public water supply.
“In France, we had faith in water – but that’s broken,” – Wollenschneider
The looming regulation from the European Union may provide some relief but raises questions about the timeline and enforcement mechanisms. It’s possible that most communities in Europe are not yet aware that they are at risk from these dangerous PFAS pollutants. Without federal PFAS drinking water standards in place, they may wait until it’s too late to act.
Litzler’s remarks signal a developing appetite among community leaders to make the guilty pay.
“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,” – Litzler
Communities similar to Saint-Louis, who are already dealing with the painful impacts of PFAS contamination. They systematically demand more robust policies and regulations at the local and European level. Their experience should act as a shot across the bows for other areas around Europe who might be in just as deep, if not deeper, denial.