Causative chemical in the lake prohibiting bathing

Swimming ban for carcinogenic substances in the lake
In the Birkensee near Nuremberg, a bathing ban was pronounced at the weekend. Increased levels of the carcinogenic chemical PFT had been detected in the lake. Even fish from the water should not be consumed anymore.

Chemicals in the lake. Ban on swimming pronounced. Picture: animaflora - fotolia

Swimming ban for carcinogenic chemicals
For the Birkensee in the district of Nürnberger Land a bathing ban was pronounced. The Landratsamt stated that an increased value of perfluorinated surfactants (PFT) in the waters was the reason for the ban. As the news agency dpa reports, fish from the popular lake should no longer be eaten. The Federal Office for Risk Assessment classifies PFT as potentially carcinogenic. According to experts, the toxic chemical is particularly dangerous, as it accumulates over time in the environment and in the human organism.

"Not to be played down"
The District Office wrote that the concentration in the Birkensee "not acute health hazards, but still not play down" was. The prohibition of bathing until further notice is a precautionary measure until a new water analysis has been carried out. Last year a significantly lower PFT value was measured. PFTs are used in particular in coatings. They are therefore widespread in the environment and can endanger the health of the population. Several years ago, the carcinogenic chemical was detected in the groundwater of Leuna in Saxony-Anhalt. Citizens were strongly warned against using the water at that time. (Ad)