Forever Chemicals Found in Blood of Lancashire Residents Near Chemical Plant
70% of tested individuals near AGC Chemicals factory show dangerous PFAS levels, with one at 436 ng/ml.
1PFAS contamination discovered
In 2024, Wyre borough council launched an investigation into PFOA contamination near the AGC Chemicals Europe factory in Thornton-Cleveleys. PFOA, a globally banned carcinogen, was emitted in large quantities until 2012. Testing revealed duck eggs from local gardens contained PFAS levels 10 times above European safety limits. Residents had been consuming these eggs daily for decades, unaware of the contamination.
2Alarming blood test results
Blood tests of 49 residents showed 70% exceeded the US safety threshold of 20ng/ml PFAS. One resident's son had 111ng/ml, while another woman recorded 436ng/ml - the highest level found. The woman, who recently had a tumor removed, questions if her health issues stem from this exposure. UK lacks guidelines on safe PFAS blood levels, leaving residents without clear medical advice.
3Health risks confirmed
PFOA exposure is linked to kidney cancer, with two areas near the factory showing higher-than-expected rates. A government study initially dismissed the cancer cluster, but experts criticized this conclusion. Dr. Dave Megson called the dismissal contradictory, arguing it downplays evidence of harm. Residents now face uncertainty about long-term health impacts from decades of exposure.
4Community impact
Sam Hammond discovered her duck eggs were contaminated after council testing. Her family had consumed them for years. Alan Hodson abandoned his allotment after finding his beetroot had the highest PFOA levels of tested produce. The council advised residents within 1km to wash homegrown food and avoid local eggs, while closing two nearby allotments.
5Company response
AGC Chemicals Europe emphasized that PFAS blood testing doesn't predict health problems and can cause unnecessary concern. They noted the site's century-long industrial history predates their ownership. While expressing concern for residents, they await the ongoing multi-agency investigation's conclusions before determining next steps regarding potential land contamination.
6Scientific concerns
Forensic environmental scientist Dr. Dave Megson criticized the limited response, contrasting it with global precedents where chemical pollution disasters triggered widespread biomonitoring. He argues proper testing would clarify the contamination's extent. With the factory's planned closure, Megson urges government intervention to support affected residents and properly assess health risks.
7Resident reactions
Sam Hammond expressed guilt over exposing her children, particularly her son with 111ng/ml PFAS. Alan Hodson lamented wasted years growing contaminated vegetables. Residents describe feeling abandoned by authorities, with no guidance on reducing PFAS levels or addressing health risks. Many question why warnings came decades after emissions ceased.
8Regulatory failure
The case exposes gaps in UK chemical regulation - no safe blood level guidelines exist for PFAS, and testing isn't recommended. Contamination went undetected for years near an active industrial site. Experts warn this reflects a broader pattern of inadequate monitoring for persistent pollutants, leaving communities vulnerable to long-term exposure without recourse.