Residents Encouraged to Provide Feedback on New PFAS Report

Jersey Residents Encouraged to Respond to PFAS Report Recommendations

Jersey residents are being urged to share their views on a new report addressing concerns about "forever chemicals" in the island’s water supply.

The report outlines 13 recommendations, including expanded blood testing, re-testing, and potential medical interventions for those affected by PFAS contamination. PFAS, known as "forever chemicals" due to their long-lasting nature, have been linked by some researchers to serious health risks.

Among the proposals are treatment options such as bloodletting to help reduce PFAS levels in affected individuals, along with additional blood tests for firefighters and others who may have been exposed in the early 1990s.

Contamination Concerns

PFAS contamination in Jersey has been traced back to firefighting foam used during training exercises at Jersey Airport in the 1990s. The chemicals seeped into surrounding areas, affecting private borehole water supplies.

The Government of Jersey stated that the report’s third draft also suggests establishing "background levels" of PFAS in the blood of residents outside the directly impacted areas.

Additionally, the panel has recommended offering the cholesterol-lowering medication Colesevelam to those who meet specific criteria.

Officials are encouraging islanders to provide feedback on the draft report by 24 April.

Health Minister Deputy Tom Binet said: "Once the report is finalised, the government's water quality and safety board will carefully review its findings and consider the recommendations."

The PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel, which compiled the report, is an independent group of external experts.