INFLECTION POINT Sarah Simon

🌍 In this episode of Inflection Point, I meet Sarah Simon, a tireless campaigner raising awareness about PFAS contamination—or "forever chemicals"—in Jersey. These chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS, leached into the environment from firefighting foam used at the island’s airport. The pollution has had a profound impact on Sarah’s health, as well as that of her family and neighbors.

Sarah’s story mirrors the environmental crisis depicted in the film Dark Waters (highly recommended viewing!), and incredibly, the lawyer portrayed in that film has endorsed her campaign. Despite battling serious health challenges, Sarah continues to fight for change—not just for her area but for the entire island of Jersey, where the extent of contamination remains uncertain.

What I loved most about this conversation wasn’t just her tenacity or her meticulous research into this evolving issue but her infectious love of life. We delve into her early years, her personal journey, and the solace she finds in her bird sanctuary, where she rescues and cares for injured birds. It’s her optimism, even in the face of adversity, that truly inspires.

For context, Jersey Water is aware of the PFAS contamination and is actively monitoring levels in the drinking water, which they report are currently below their set limits. The Jersey Government has also begun addressing the issue by conducting blood tests and taking steps to assess the wider risks associated with PFAS.

However, the safe limit for these chemicals remains a topic of global debate. As Sarah highlights, some countries, like Denmark, have taken a precautionary approach by setting the bar as close to zero as possible—a stance that raises important questions for Jersey.

Sarah is a vibrant and determined figure whose character might sometimes make her a polarising advocate, but her dedication to uncovering the truth and pushing for action is undeniable. For me, her story is a reminder that when it comes to protecting our health and environment, persistence is key—and sometimes, we all need a little of Sarah’s fighting spirit.

Further Reading & Resources:

• Sarah in Manner Magazine
• 2025 Guardian article
• Dark Waters Trailer
• BBC Radio Documentary on PFAS in Jersey
• Jersey Water on PFAS
• Jersey Government's PFAS Info

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Oh and it's Zero Water or Epic Water Filters to get rid of Forever Chemicals:

https://zerowater.co.uk

https://epicwaterfilters.co.uk