Two years ago, the Swedish court decided that more than 140 Kallinge residents would not receive compensation from the Armed Forces. The reason was that the 10-year statute of limitations had expired. The chairman of the PFAS Association, Herman Afzelius, called the decision "cowardly and strange".
Then came the turnaround. After the association presented new information to JK, the authority chose to reopen the case.
It was discovered in 2013 that the drinking water in Kallinge contained high levels of PFAS. The contamination came from fire-fighting foam, which the F 17 regiment used in fire drills.
Defense not responsible
The Swedish Court of Appeal announced on Friday morning that claims for damages for personal injuries caused by the state's actions before April 2014 are time-barred. They had therefore only examined the actions of the Armed Forces during the period April to October 2014, as the water supply to the affected people ceased at that time.
We have this 10-year limit in Sweden and it applies to everyone, says agency manager Martin Mörk at JK.
During the specific period of 2014, JK believes that the Armed Forces cannot be held liable, since the water fell below the applicable action limit for the content of PFAS. Furthermore, the authority says this does not necessarily mean that the residents of Kallinge will be left without compensation, since a ruling from the Supreme Court means that they can claim compensation from the municipal water company.
May be tested separately
JK says that it may be considered separately whether the Armed Forces, in turn, should compensate the municipality for the damages they pay out.
The members of the PFAS Association demanded compensation for personal injuries and human rights violations. The association has been pursuing the compensation issue for several years.
It has taken twelve and a half years of my life, said Herman Afzelius before the decision came.
After JK's announcement, a more subdued chairman answers the phone.
It is becoming obvious that they do not want to take responsibility and it is so pitiful. What is happening now is that it will be more work for us victims to request compensation from the municipality, it is not humane, says Herman Afzelius and takes a pause before continuing:
So it's not over by any means.
Facts: PFAS
PFAS are man-made chemicals that break down very slowly. They are called persistent chemicals and accumulate in nature and in our bodies.
PFAS are used, for example, in coolants, impregnation agents, fire-fighting foam, makeup, packaging and also in plant protection products used in agriculture.
According to studies, PFAS substances can affect birth weight, blood cholesterol levels and liver enzymes, as well as cause a reduced antibody response after vaccination.
Source: Swedish Chemicals Agency, Swedish Food Agency
