Avoid sea foam – and wash yourself if you touch it, say PFAS experts

By Julien Morel | Bailiwick Express | March 20, 2026

Read the full article by Julien Morel (Bailiwick Express)

"People should avoid touching or swimming through sea and freshwater foam, and wash themselves if they do, according to a panel of experts assessing the risk of exposure to a chemical linked to various health conditions, including cancer, infertility and high cholesterol.

Sea foam – the white froth often seen on the waterline, especially on windy and stormy days – has been found to contain high concentrations of PFAS, a family of toxic chemicals which is present in Jersey, as it is worldwide.

Following the concerns of residents, especially those living in an area of high contamination by the Airport, where firefighting foam containing the chemical was sprayed, the government formed a panel of scientific experts to guide its response."