Residents of Thornton-Cleveleys in Lancashire have been found with "really high levels" of the cancer-causing forever chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in their blood, prompting an Environment Agency investigation. Around 70% of 49 tested locals fall into the "high-risk" category with significantly elevated PFOA levels.
Investigation and factory closure
The contamination is believed to originate from the nearby AGC Chemicals factory, which manufactures coating for frying pans. The factory has reported four years of consecutive financial losses and is set to cease all production by the end of 2026. The closure comes amid a major environmental scandal over historic PFOA contamination in the surrounding area, as reported by GB News.
One anonymous resident was found with the highest level of PFOA ever recorded in the UK, measuring over 100 times the national average. The highest levels were found in individuals living within 1km of the factory. According to Leigh Day, the legal firm that arranged the private blood tests, the highest concentrations were also found in those who regularly ate eggs or vegetables grown in their gardens.
Residents' reactions
Sam, a local resident, said: "When we opened the results...it was like, my God, that is ridiculously off the scale. I feel guilty because I've introduced [my children] to that way of life. I know it isn't my fault, but the guilt is horrific. Knowing that I've offloaded what levels I probably had over the years into those children when I breastfed them, that's heartbreaking."
Andrew Molloy, who lives on land that used to be part of the factory, found out he was in the highest risk category. He plans to take the results to his GP to "at least get it on my record".
Health implications and company response
PFOA is a man-made synthetic compound belonging to the group of "forever chemicals". Due to its strong chemical bond between carbon and fluorine atoms, it does not naturally break down in the environment or the human body. Scientists have recently found evidence strengthening the connection between PFOA and cancer. The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified PFOA as Group 1: "Carcinogenic to humans."
A spokesman for AGC Chemicals Europe, Ltd. said: "We are aware of the recent blood testing initiative, and we understand the concerns this may have caused amongst local residents. The factory will cease trading at the end of the year. Whilst the parties conducting these tests have chosen not to share their findings and data with us, we would emphasise that the UK Government's position is clear. PFAS blood testing does not predict future health problems and can sometimes create unnecessary concern. For these reasons, PFAS biomonitoring is not currently recommended through the NHS or private blood tests. The Hillhouse site and surrounding area has been dedicated to industrial chemical manufacturing for well over a century, long before AGC Chemicals Europe, Ltd. was established, and a wide variety of historical users have operated on the site. Since the wider multi-agency investigation is still ongoing and no formal determination of land contamination has been made under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act, we cannot speculate on future outcomes or next steps. AGC Chemicals Europe, Ltd. has been part of the Thornton Cleveleys’ community since 1999. The health, wellbeing and safety of our employees and the local community remain our priority."
