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Blood tests carried out on residents near a prominent chemical factory in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, have uncovered alarmingly high levels of a cancer-linked substance known as PFOA, a type of “forever chemical.” These residents have been informed that their exposure to PFOA may increase their risk of developing serious health problems. The presence of this chemical has been a concern for years, prompting investigations by the Environment Agency into contamination of soils and local produce. The contamination is believed to originate from AGC Chemicals, which operated the nearby factory and used PFOA in the production of frying pan coatings until 2012.
Among those affected is Sam, a local resident, who expressed deep distress over her son’s blood test results, which revealed exceedingly high PFOA levels. She said, “When we opened the results… it was like, my God, that is ridiculously off the scale.” The emotional impact of the findings has been profound, especially considering the possibility that her children were exposed to these chemicals from an early age. Sam shared the difficulty she felt knowing she may have passed on these harmful substances through breastfeeding, describing it as “heartbreaking.”
“Forever chemicals,” scientifically referred to as PFAS, are resistant compounds found widely in everyday products such as clothing and cookware. Because they do not easily degrade, concerns about their impact on human health have grown. PFOA, classified by the World Health Organization as a Group 1 carcinogen, was banned in the UK in 2020 due to clear links to increased cancer risk. Environmental monitoring carried out since 2024 has revealed elevated PFOA levels in local soil, eggs, and vegetables. Precautions have included the closure of two allotments and advice for residents within a one-kilometer radius of the factory to peel homegrown fruits and vegetables to reduce exposure. Investigations determined that airborne emissions from the factory likely caused these contaminations.
Despite these findings, official health bodies previously advised against individual blood testing for PFAS, citing a lack of clear personal health guidance from such tests. Independent testing was, however, facilitated by Manchester Metropolitan University and funded by investigative organizations. Forty-nine residents took part, with many receiving results showing potentially harmful levels. One participant, Andrew Molloy, who lives on land formerly part of the factory, was surprised to discover his levels placed him in the highest risk category. “One of the first things I’m going to do is take [the results] to my GP and at least get it on my record,” he said, highlighting frustration with the lack of medical response so far. Another resident, Mario Panteli, described his reaction as “quite emotional, a shock,” and voiced fears for his children’s safety in their own garden. Dr. David Megson, responsible for the blood testing, expressed deep concern, noting that the results were far higher than anticipated in the general population.
Currently, the UK has no official thresholds for safe PFAS levels in humans, although countries like the US and Germany have set guidelines. Based on those, 70% of residents tested could be at increased risk of adverse health conditions such as thyroid dysfunction, kidney and testicular cancers, elevated cholesterol, and other serious diseases. While elevated blood levels do not guarantee illness, authorities in other countries recommend further screening for affected individuals to monitor potential health impacts.
The ongoing situation has led over 100 local people, including those tested, to contemplate collective legal action against AGC Chemicals. Sarah Moore, a lawyer representing some residents, explained that claims could cover not only the decline in property values and land use but also significant health risks uncovered by the recent testing. This case would mark the UK’s first community legal challenge regarding contamination from forever chemicals. For context, a major legal battle over PFOA contamination in West Virginia, U.S., resulted in DuPont and Chemours Co settling thousands of lawsuits, despite the companies denying wrongdoing.
AGC Chemicals’ factory traces its origins back to the 1950s and was initially operated by ICI. The facility continued using PFOA until switching to a replacement chemical, EEA-NH4, in 2012—a substance also found in the blood of some tested residents. A company spokesperson noted that the multi-agency investigation remains unresolved and declined to speculate on outcomes. The factory is slated to close later this year due to economic challenges and market conditions.
Public health experts not involved in the local testing have commented on the findings. Dr. Steve Hajioff pointed out that the highest PFOA levels likely occurred before the factory ceased using the chemical in 2012, and although raised levels increase risks for rare conditions, individual chances remain relatively low. Meanwhile, legal representatives worry the current situation might represent only the beginning of widespread exposure issues
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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