HZJZ claims that the concentration of "everyday chemicals" in Gospić is low.

The Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) has stated that the concentration of so-called "forever chemicals," specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), detected at the Tonković spring near Gospić is low and does not pose a health risk. This comes after local media outlet Most called for an extraordinary session of the Croatian Parliament following concerns over potential contamination of drinking water with these persistent synthetic compounds. According to HZJZ, the measured concentration of PFAS at the Tonković spring was 5.2 percent of the maximum allowable level, which is set at 100 nanograms per liter. The institute emphasized that similar findings have been recorded in drinking water across Europe and globally, and that merely detecting PFAS does not indicate their origin or immediate danger to human health. The HZJZ explained that PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," are a group of synthetic compounds used since the mid-20th century due to their resistance to water, oil, heat, and chemical effects. These substances are known for their extremely slow degradation process, leading to their nickname. While long-term exposure to certain PFAS compounds has been linked to increased risks such as elevated cholesterol levels, weakened immune responses, changes in liver and hormonal functions, and high blood pressure during pregnancy, some compounds may also contribute to an increased risk of certain cancers. However, the HZJZ cautioned against interpreting every detection of PFAS as proof of poisoning or direct harm, noting that the established limit serves as a preventive measure rather than an automatic threshold for harmful effects. In 2025, the HZJZ conducted research on 20 different PFAS compounds in 473 samples of drinking water across Croatia, including raw water and water at consumer sites. PFAS concentrations above the quantification limit were found in five raw water samples and eight treated water samples, meaning more than 97 percent of tested samples did not contain detectable levels of PFAS. Of the remaining 2.7 percent, all concentrations remained below the maximum permissible values. The HZJZ compared its findings with data from Slovenia, Germany, and Switzerland, revealing that PFAS were detected in 72.4 percent of 163 groundwater sampling points in Slovenia, while German federal environmental agency tests showed PFAS in 89 analyzed drinking water samples, with the highest measured value being 80 nanograms per liter, still under the allowed limit. Additional water sampling took place on Tuesday, August 11, in the Lika-Senj County area, where three raw water samples and three consumer site water samples were collected. Results indicated compliance with prescribed standards, showing that all tested water samples met the required parameters outlined in the Regulation on Parameters of Compliance, Analysis Methods, and Monitoring of Water Intended for Human Consumption (NN 64/2023). All concentrations of analyzed PFAS compounds, as well as their total sum, were found to be below the quantification limit of 0.0015 micrograms per liter per individual compound. These results align with previous analyses regularly conducted at the source and within the water supply network. Further chemical and microbiological analyses are still underway, and their results will be published later due to the time needed for their completion. The HZJZ continues to monitor the situation and will promptly inform the public of the outcomes of the ongoing analyses. Despite the recent calls for parliamentary action, the current findings suggest that the water quality in the region remains within safe limits according to national regulations.