Plan to tackle 'forever chemicals' unveiled

It follows the discovery of chemicals which were once used in firefighting foam near the airport

An action plan has been unveiled by the Government of Jersey to support islanders affected by historic chemical contamination near Jersey Airport.

It follows the discovery of "forever chemicals", so-called because they take a long time to break down. The chemicals were once used in firefighting foam at the airport.

Islanders who were tested for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in 2022 will be offered colesevelam, a medication proven to reduce PFAS in the bloodstream, said the government.

If unsuitable, therapeutic phlebotomy - removing blood to lower chemical levels - would be considered, it added.

The government said blood testing would be expanded more widely for residents, as well as workers potentially exposed through their jobs.

An independent panel linked high PFAS levels to serious health risks - including kidney and testicular cancer, and high cholesterol.

Of the 88 Islanders tested in 2022, many had levels far above international norms, suggesting even higher exposure in previous decades, the government said.

Health minister Tom Binet called the response "swift, proportionate and evidence-based," and said Jersey's mains water met EU and UK safety standards.

He added the panel's next report would explore PFAS in the wider environment.