The government supports the ongoing testing of soils and locally produced foods to see if they contain PFAS – a man-made chemical linked to cancer and high cholesterol – but it is not yet clear who will carry out the monitoring.
However, a public meeting held on Thursday evening heard that there would be more clarity next month, when an independent panel of scientific experts produces a final report making recommendations.
PFAS is a family of man-made carbon-based chemicals added to everyday items such as frying pans and outdoor clothing because of their ability to repel water, oil and heat.
However, it has been found that exposure to PFAS may be harmful to human health, linked to such conditions as kidney cancer, high cholesterol and a reduced ability to fight infections.
Along with most places worldwide, PFAS is present in Jersey’s environment – particularly in the west of the island because firefighting foam sprayed at the Airport contained a particular type of the chemical group.
It has also been found in the blood of islanders who lived close to the Airport, particularly in those who drank from boreholes.
The government is taking steps to reduce the amount of PFAS in the bodies of those who lived in this ‘hotspot’ by offering clinical interventions.
It has also tested soil and locally grown crops, while Jersey Water continues to test drinking water.
The utility is about to begin two pilot projects to test the effectiveness of two types of PFAS-removing technologies it has identified.
A new statutory limit for PFAS in drinking water has been accepted by the government and is due to be debated in the States Assembly next month.