Residents of Jersey grapple with an enduring environmental crisis as private drinking water supplies remain tainted by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) due to the historical use of firefighting foams at the island's airport. These foams, manufactured by the US multinational company 3M, have left a persistent mark on the island's ecosystem, with contamination continuing unabated for decades. Recent tests conducted on 88 islanders revealed alarming levels of perfluorohexanesulphonic acid (PFHxS) and other PFAS, with 70% exceeding safe thresholds. The impact extends beyond human health, as potatoes from the affected area exhibit elevated PFAS levels tenfold above European Commission recommendations.
Jersey Water halted the use of its most contaminated borehole over 15 years ago, yet five other sources were only discontinued in 2022. Despite these measures, all reservoirs controlled by Jersey Water still contain PFAS at medium risk levels.
“During 2024, the water supplied by Jersey Water was 100% compliant with applicable standards for PFAS,” stated a spokesperson for Jersey Water.
The water company maintains a policy of utilizing affected sources only during severe droughts and always in conjunction with the desalination plant.
“Our current operating policy is to only use these affected sources during significant drought and only ever in conjunction with the desalination plant,” added the spokesperson.
Despite these assurances, concerns persist among residents and environmental advocates. More than 100 individuals outside the primary contamination zone have independently tested their blood due to health worries, prompting calls for action from local authorities.
“We know it’s everywhere, but we want Jersey Water to reduce their levels,” asserted Snowdon, a concerned resident.
The extent of contamination is not confined to a single area according to residents.
“The authorities seem to say that the plume is the only area of contamination, but it isn’t,” emphasized Snowdon.
The island's government reached a confidential settlement with 3M in 2005, agreeing not to pursue legal claims in exchange for £2.6 million towards cleanup efforts. This decision has drawn criticism from legal experts and citizens alike.
“I’ve not seen something like this where there’s an agreement to try to help the company against claims by others,” remarked Rob Bilott, a prominent environmental attorney.
“Particularly if it’s something affecting public health and safety or research,” he continued.
The release of information on the agreement has fueled allegations of a cover-up by local inhabitants.
“It’s the biggest cover-up that’s ever happened on this island,” claimed Debbie Thorn, a local activist.
Bloodletting, a treatment option proven effective in reducing PFAS levels in the bloodstream, offers a potential remedy for affected residents. However, this therapy comes with a hefty price tag, costing approximately £100,000 upfront and up to £200,000 annually. In response to community outcry, the government plans to establish a clinical service by early 2025 to aid those impacted by PFAS contamination.
“These people have been exposed since the 1990s, so they could have had very high levels back then,” noted Cousins, an expert in environmental health.
The gravity of the situation is underscored by findings that 57% of tested islanders exhibited PFHxS levels above US safety thresholds, while 15% exceeded limits for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). These figures are concerning when compared against the broader US population.
“Little bit elevated compared to where we would like it to be,” added Cousins.
The European Food Safety Authority has also weighed in on the matter, cautioning against complacency regarding PFAS exposure through dietary sources.
“It would be misleading to assert that there is no public health risk based solely on potato consumption levels,” stated a spokesperson for the European Food Safety Authority.
“Risk assessment should include all dietary sources of PFAS and water quality data to accurately evaluate potential health impacts on the population in Jersey,” they further advised.