Key facts
- Blood tests found high levels of cancer-causing PFOA in residents near AGC Chemicals factory in Thornton-Cleveleys.
- 70% of 49 tested residents had readings linked to increased risk of adverse health effects.
- PFOA is a forever chemical banned in the UK since 2020 and classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the WHO.
- The AGC Chemicals factory used PFOA to manufacture coating for frying pans until 2012.
- Two local allotments have been closed and are due to be classified as contaminated land.
- Residents are considering legal action against AGC Chemicals for damages.
Dozens of residents living near the AGC Chemicals factory in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, have been found to have "really high levels" of a cancer-causing forever chemical, PFOA, in their blood. Independent tests conducted by Manchester Metropolitan University, funded by investigative journalists, revealed elevated PFOA levels in 49 volunteers, with 70% showing readings that could put them at increased risk of serious health conditions.
PFOA, a type of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), is resistant to water and oil and is found in thousands of everyday products. It does not break down easily, leading to health concerns. The World Health Organization classifies PFOA as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is clear evidence it can increase cancer risk. PFOA has been banned in the UK since 2020.
Investigations by the Environment Agency and Wyre Council since 2024 had already identified PFOA contamination in soils and locally grown food near the factory, which used the chemical to manufacture coating for frying pans until 2012. Two allotment sites have been closed and are slated for classification as contaminated land, and residents within 1km of the factory have been advised to peel fruits and vegetables grown in their gardens. The investigations concluded the contamination was likely airborne from the factory.
While the UK Health Security Agency does not currently recommend individual PFAS blood testing, the independent tests offered a stark picture for residents. Sam, a resident, expressed shock at her son's "ridiculously off the scale" results, feeling guilt for potentially passing the chemical to her children through breastfeeding. Andrew Molloy, who lives on former factory land, was surprised by his high-risk category results, as he believed the risk was primarily from consuming local produce, which he does not do. Mario Panteli described his results as "quite emotional, a shock," feeling "constricted, like I'm in a cage now" in his own home.
Dr. David Megson, who conducted the testing, stated the levels were "far higher than anything we would have ever expected to see in the general population." While the UK has no recommended acceptable PFAS levels, US and German guidelines suggest further health screening for individuals with elevated levels. Potential health effects include increased risk of thyroid dysfunction, kidney and testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, pre-eclampsia, and ulcerative colitis.
More than 100 residents are now considering group legal action against AGC Chemicals, represented by law firm Leigh Day, seeking damages for financial losses on homes and health risks. Sarah Moore, a partner at Leigh Day, noted this could be a "groundbreaking" case in the UK for community claims over forever chemical contamination. A similar major case involving DuPont and Chemours Co. in West Virginia, US, resulted in a $671 million settlement for over 3,500 lawsuits.
AGC Chemicals stated that the site manufactured chemicals before the company's establishment and that a multi-agency investigation is ongoing. The company announced earlier this month that the factory would close later this year due to market conditions. Dr. Steve Hajioff, a public health specialist, noted that PFOA levels could have been higher in the past, but even current measured levels are associated with elevated health risks, though the chance of an individual developing a rare condition may still be low.