02 April 2025
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The Government of Jersey welcomes the publication of the draft third report from
the PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel, which sets out recommendations on blood
testing, re-testing, and potential interventions for Islanders affected by PFAS.
The report includes 13 draft recommendations, including the establishment of
background levels of PFAS in the blood of Islanders outside the affected area. It also
recommends offering blood testing to firefighters or others who may have been
occupationally exposed during the period when firefighting foam containing PFAS of
concern was in use. Additionally, it suggests that Colesevelam, a cholesterol-lowering
medication, be offered to Islanders who meet certain criteria on a case-by-case basis.
Following the publication of the draft report, a three-week feedback period will
commence to allow Islanders to share their views. Feedback will be reviewed by the
Panel before finalising the report for Government consideration.
Deputy Tom Binet, Minister for Health and Social Services, said: “I welcome the
publication of this draft report and encourage Islanders to share their views as part of
the feedback process. Once the report has been finalised, the Government’s Water
Quality and Safety Board will review its findings and give careful consideration to the
recommendations.”
The draft report will be available at gov.je/PFAS. To provide feedback on the report
please email PFASPanel@gov.je before 24 April.
The PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel is an independent panel. It's made up of external
experts recruited from a global pool of specialists in their field. The purpose of the
panel is to coordinate and provide expert advice on PFAS issues. This is to enable an
effective and evidenced based approach to decision making, enabling a sound and
informed response to PFAS matters on the Island.
The panel will develop the following reports:
- review of therapeutic phlebotomy such as having blood taken to reduce PFAS
levels (complete)
- assessment of the impact of PFAS exposure on health (complete)
- clinical interventions and blood testing and re-testing (draft)
- environmental management (in progress)
- updates on the previous reports
For more information about the Islands response to PFAS, please visit gov.je/PFAS​​
gov.je