Blood tests of 49 residents living near a chemicals plant in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, have revealed that 70% have combined PFAS levels above US safety guidelines, with one individual recording a level of 436 ng/ml.
Investigation into PFAS contamination
In 2024, Wyre borough council and the Environment Agency launched an investigation into contamination of Pfoa, a group 1 carcinogen banned globally in 2020, near the AGC Chemicals Europe factory. The factory emitted Pfoa in large quantities until 2012.
Sam Hammond, a resident whose duck eggs were found to be contaminated with PFAS, had her blood tested. Her level is 25 ng/ml, while her son's is 111 ng/ml. "I feel quite sick about his results," she said. "My concern all along is what have we done to the kids."
Health implications and expert concerns
The tests, published by law firm Leigh Day with forensic scientist Dr Dave Megson and Watershed Investigations, found nearly 70% of those tested had increased Pfoa levels. Pfoa exposure is linked to kidney cancer.
In June, a government-commissioned study found higher-than-expected rates of kidney cancer in two areas near the factory, though it concluded no statistically significant excess or environmental association. Megson described this as "very contradictory" and said it "seems to downplay the findings rather than assess it objectively."
Residents' responses and council advice
One anonymous woman with a PFAS level of 436 ng/ml, who recently had a tumour removed, questioned whether her health problems are linked: "I thought I was just unlucky, but when I found out that result I thought it must have something to do with it."
The council has advised residents within 1km of the factory to wash and peel home-grown produce and avoid eating eggs from locally reared birds. Plans to shut down two nearby allotments have also been announced.
Alan Hodson, an allotment holder, found his blood contains 43 ng/ml of PFAS. "You get an allotment and you grow homegrown veg to be more healthy and then all of a sudden you're told it's polluted," he said.
Calls for government support
Following AGC Chemicals' planned closure, Megson is urging central government to provide more support to residents, including widespread biomonitoring.
An AGC Chemicals Europe spokesperson said the company is aware of the testing initiative but emphasised that the UK government's position is that PFAS blood testing does not predict future health problems. The government has been contacted for comment.
