The Audio Long Read Poison in the water: the town with the world’s worst case of forever chemicals contamination
Jul 28, 2025
A small Swedish town faces a shocking discovery: their drinking water is tainted with dangerous levels of forever chemicals known as PFAS. The community grapples with the implications for their health and the future of their children. Personal stories of families reveal the emotional toll of contamination. The quest for justice highlights both the resilience and vulnerability of the residents, showcasing the human impact behind a toxic legacy.
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Childhood Foam Memories
- Agnetha Bruno recalls childhood memories of thick white foam near the Air Force base.
- Firefighting foam used there created lasting contamination due to its persistence in the environment.
Source of Ronneby's PFAS Contamination
- PFAS, or forever chemicals, are synthetic substances resistant to breakdown, contaminating Ronneby's water.
- The contamination originated primarily from firefighting foam used at the local airbase.
Children's Blood Shows Extreme PFAS
- Blood tests showed children in the contaminated zone had over 37 times higher PFAS levels than those outside.
- This alarming discovery stunned researchers and residents alike due to its unprecedented scale.
