Blood tests find high level of cancer-causing forever chemical in residents near factory
People living near a major chemical factory in Lancashire are told they could be at risk of serious health conditions.
High levels of a cancer-causing forever chemical, known as PFOA, have been detected in the blood of residents living near a major chemical factory in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, UK. The villagers have been told they could face an elevated risk of serious health conditions due to exposure to the substance, which is a type of forever chemical that does not easily break down.
The AGC Chemicals factory, which used PFOA to manufacture coatings for frying pans until 2012, is suspected to be the source of the contamination. The Environment Agency and Wyre Council have been investigating the area since 2024, finding elevated levels of PFOA in soil, locally grown food, and eggs. Two allotment sites have been closed and classified as contaminated land, while residents within a 1km radius of the factory have been advised to peel any fruit or vegetables grown in their gardens.
Independent blood tests were offered to 49 residents, with 70% of the test results indicating they were at increased risk of health impacts based on guidelines from the US and Germany. Dr. David Megson, who conducted the testing, described the findings as seriously concerning, stating that the levels were far higher than expected in the general population.
The residents are now considering a group legal action against AGC Chemicals to seek damages for financial losses and potential health risks, which could be a historic case against the company in the UK.
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