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The Chief Minister has confirmed that more than two-thirds of the 88 islanders whose blood was tested for a manmade chemical linked to cancer had high levels of it in their bodies.
The islanders took part in a Government-sponsored testing programme to assess the levels of different ‘PFAS’ in their blood.
PFAS is a family of synthetic chemicals which were first created in the 1930s and added to everyday items because of their ability to resist heat, fuel and water.
However, since the late 70s, an emerging body of science has not only highlighted the pervasive nature of PFAS – giving rise to their name ‘forever chemicals’ – but also their possible link to several diseases and disorders, including cancer, birth defects and thyroid problems.
One PFAS, called PFOS, was an ingredient of firefighting foam sprayed at the Airport. When foam with PFOS was withdrawn in the early 90s, foam with another type, called PFHxS, was used until 2020.
Pictured: PFAS was an ingredient of firefighting foam sprayed at the Airport until 2020.
Last year, the Government responded to the concerns of islanders who had lived or worked close to the Airport and attributed their own health problems to drinking water containing PFAS.
Ministers not only funded the blood testing programme but also agreed to establish a panel of experts to advise them on the way forward.
Earlier this month, a chair of this ‘PFAS Science Advisory Panel’ was appointed and its first meeting is scheduled for next month.
Giving an update to States Members following a question from Deputy Lyndon Farnham, Deputy Kristina Moore said: “I am pleased that this Government has started to make some real progress in supporting and getting answers for Islanders who had their water supply polluted by PFOS.
“A total of 88 people were tested, and the results indicate that 30% of the people in the plume area had higher values than 95% of the people tested in US reference pollution for PFOS. This increased to 70% of people tested for another PFAS compound.”
That other compound was PFHxS. Scientists continue to study whether PFHxS and other PFAS cause health problems in people.
The panel, which will be chaired by Dr Steve Hajioff, a clinician with experience of public health policy, will advise the Government on what interventions should be undertaken to reduce the blood levels of PFAS, what the health harms might be, and how it might be removed from water supplies.
In parallel to the health side, environmental studies are ongoing across two water catchment areas in St Ouen’s Bay and at Pont Marquet to assess PFAS migration, potential risks, and to inform additional management or remediation options.
The study will complement current work by Ports of Jersey to investigate and remediate PFAS within the airport perimeter.
The Government is unable to pursue any claim against the manufacturer of the firefighting foam which contained PFOS because a previous administration signed a 'deed of settlement' with chemical giant 3M in 2004, which meant that the States of Jersey could not sue the US firm.
Express previously explored the story of the Government's 'secret deal' with 3M in an episode of the Bailiwick Podcast, which you can listen to below or via your favourite pod provider...
Gov identify experts to recommend action on toxic chemical in water
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