During the Nantucket Board of Health meeting on June 12, 2025, significant discussions centered around environmental health, particularly the introduction of new lead testing requirements and updates on PFAS contamination monitoring.

Andrew Shapiro, the environmental contamination administrator, presented an update emphasizing the importance of lead testing in water, especially during property transfers. He noted that while lead is a known neurotoxin and a contaminant in Nantucket's groundwater, it had not been included in routine testing kits. To address this, the health department will now require lead testing alongside real estate transactions, offering a $20 test kit to residents. This initiative aims to enhance public health safety, particularly for children, as lead exposure can have severe health implications.

Shapiro also provided an update on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) testing, reporting that recent sampling efforts yielded no results exceeding the Massachusetts state standard of 20 nanograms per liter. The health department is actively collaborating with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to monitor PFAS levels across the island, with more data expected in the coming weeks.

In addition to these primary topics, the meeting touched on ongoing wastewater sampling for COVID-19 and other health concerns, including the rise of tick populations and the potential for increased Lyme disease cases. The health department is planning educational campaigns to raise awareness about tick prevention and the associated health risks.

The board's discussions highlighted a proactive approach to environmental health issues, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding the community's well-being. As Nantucket continues to navigate these challenges, the health department's initiatives aim to ensure that residents are informed and protected against environmental hazards.