Key facts
- 70% of 49 tested residents in Thornton-Cleveleys had a combined Pfas level above 20 ng/ml.
- Sam Hammond's Pfas blood level is 25 ng/ml, and her son's is 111 ng/ml.
- Nearly 70% of those tested had increased levels of Pfoa, a group 1 carcinogen.
- Pfoa was emitted in large quantities from the AGC Chemicals factory until 2012.
- One woman tested had a Pfas level of 436 ng/ml and recently had a tumor removed.
- The council advised residents within a 1km radius of the factory to take precautions with home-grown produce and local eggs.
Residents in Thornton-Cleveleys, UK, have received alarming blood test results revealing significant levels of Pfas, commonly known as "forever chemicals," in their systems. The findings stem from an investigation into contamination near the AGC Chemicals Europe factory, which emitted Pfoa, a known carcinogen, until 2012. Sam Hammond, a local resident, discovered her pet ducks' eggs were contaminated with Pfas, prompting her to question the chemicals' presence in her own blood. Seven months later, a study published by law firm Leigh Day, in association with Watershed Investigations and with analysis from Dr. Dave Megson of Manchester Metropolitan University, revealed that 70% of 49 tested residents had combined Pfas levels exceeding 20 ng/ml, a threshold associated with increased health risks in the US. Hammond's own level was 25 ng/ml, while her son's reached 111 ng/ml. Nearly 70% of those tested also showed elevated Pfoa levels, which are linked to serious illnesses including kidney cancer. While a government-commissioned study found no statistically significant excess of kidney cancer in the area, experts like Megson have questioned these conclusions, suggesting the data indicates significant harm has already been caused. One woman with a Pfas level of 436 ng/ml is questioning if her recent tumor removal is linked to the exposure. In response to the findings, the council has advised residents within a 1km radius of the factory to take precautions with home-grown produce and local eggs, and plans to close two nearby allotments. AGC Chemicals Europe acknowledged the concerns but stated that PFAS blood testing is not currently recommended by the NHS and does not predict future health problems, emphasizing the site's long industrial history.