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Information and public services for the Island of Jersey

L'înformâtion et les sèrvices publyis pouor I'Île dé Jèrri

Results of blood testing for PFAS chemicals

18 October 2022

​Islanders who have had their blood tested for PFAS are due to receive their results this week. 

The testing was organised for a group of Islanders who met the eligibility criteria to take part and consented to having their blood taken for PFAS testing. 

The purpose of the test was to allow those with concerns to understand their blood levels through a high quality non diagnostic test. 

The results of the blood testing show that some people who have received testing have higher levels of PFAS in their blood than might be expected. 

The Minister for Health and Social Services Deputy Karen Wilson said: “It was announced in early February that PFAS blood testing would be available for Islanders affected by the historic plume at the airport. I fully understand that levels of PFAS have been an area of concern for Islanders who lived or worked the plume area for some time, who drank water from private supplies, and we are taking these concerns seriously. 

“It is extremely difficult to interpret results of blood tests for PFAS as there is not an internationally accepted way of interpreting them. It is also currently impossible to assess the impact on an individual’s health. 

“The difficulties in interpreting these results will no doubt continue to cause uncertainty; however, the Government is committed to doing all we can to develop our understanding and continue conversations with Islanders as our knowledge grows. 

“Islanders who have had their blood tested will be invited to a meeting with the Chief Minister, myself as Minister for Health and Social Services, and Public Health colleagues where we can discuss the results. We are also going to start a ‘PFAS and Health’ scientific panel, which will include international academics. They will conduct an annual review of the evidence around PFAS, the health effects and interventions to reduce PFAS in the blood and will make recommendations to Government. They will also be asked to advise Government on the most appropriate ways for us to undertake re-testing and at what frequency this should be conducted moving forward.” 

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