Public Health PFAS action (FOI)

Request

A. On what date was the Public Health department first informed that exclusively mains water drinking members of the Jersey public were finding contamination of firefighting foam PFAS in their blood?

B. What immediate action was taken, to avoid further contamination?

C. Where has this information been logged?

D. What evidence was collected?

Response

A

The first indication that there were elevated PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) levels on the island followed a blood testing programme conducted in 2022 by Public Health for people who had lived around the airport. Most of those tested had consumed water from both mains and private supplies. This blood testing programme measured a range of PFAS metabolites including those commonly used in firefighting foams. 

Public Health received a report entitled ‘PFHxS You are at risk!’ in April 2024 from a resident. This report is comprehensive and provides anonymous PFAS blood test results, but as the data sources and methodology are not fully described it is not possible to draw clear conclusions.

B

A PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel was convened to provide the Government of Jersey with expert independent advice. To date, the panel have considered health matters, and will shortly be undertaking Report Four which will review PFAS in the environment, regulation standards and treatment for PFAS in water and the environment.  A Hydrogeological study has also been undertaken, and a report will be published on the outcomes of this study. Information, including the reports published and actions taken, can be found on www.gov.je at the link below. The ongoing work of Government to understand, monitor and respond to the PFAS presence issues, for health and the environment, is also publicised via these webpages. 

​PFAS in Jersey​ 

As Information is available elsewhere, Article 23 of the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 has been applied.

The Scientific Advisory Panel are scheduled to consider the best approach to avoid future PFAS contamination in 2025.

C

The 2022 blood testing programme results were presented to affected islanders in December 2022.

D

The 2022 blood testing programme collected data about address history, health conditions, and blood levels for the PFAS metabolites that were measured.

Article Applied

Article 23 - Information accessible to applicant by other means

(1) Information is absolutely exempt information if it is reasonably available to the applicant, otherwise than under this Law, whether or not free of charge.

(2) A scheduled public authority that refuses an application for information on this ground must make reasonable efforts to inform the applicant where the applicant may obtain the information.​