Blood Tests Reveal High Levels of Cancer-Causing Chemical Near UK Factory

Blood tests have detected "really high levels" of a cancer-causing chemical, PFOA, in dozens of residents living near a major chemical factory in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire. The results indicate that these individuals may face an increased risk of serious health conditions.

The village has been under investigation for years by the Environment Agency due to contamination of soil and locally grown food by PFOA, a type of "forever chemical" known for its persistence in the environment. Previous investigations concluded that high levels of the substance likely originated from the nearby AGC Chemicals factory, which manufactured it for coating non-stick frying pans until 2012.

Residents like Sam, who asked for her surname not to be published, expressed shock at her son's results, which were described as "ridiculously off the scale." She voiced guilt over potentially exposing her children to the chemical, particularly through breastfeeding.

Forever chemicals, also known as PFAS, are a group of substances resistant to water and oil, commonly found in everyday products. PFOA has been banned in the UK since 2020, as the World Health Organization classifies it as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is clear scientific evidence of its link to increased cancer risk.

Investigations by the Environment Agency and Wyre Council, which began in 2024, found elevated PFOA levels in soil, eggs, and locally grown vegetables. Two allotment sites have been closed and are slated for classification as contaminated land. Residents living within 1km of the factory have been advised to peel fruits and vegetables grown in their gardens. The investigations suggest the PFOA was airborne and likely released from the factory.

Independent blood tests, funded by investigative journalists and conducted by Manchester Metropolitan University, were offered to 49 residents after the UK Health Security Agency stated that official PFAS monitoring is not currently recommended for individuals. According to US and German guidelines, 70% of the tested residents had readings that could place them at increased risk of adverse health effects, including reduced thyroid function, kidney and testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, pre-eclampsia, and ulcerative colitis.

Andrew Molloy, whose home was built on former factory land, found himself in the highest-risk category. He underwent testing due to persistent family health issues. "One of the first things I'm going to do is take [the results] to my GP and at least get it on my record," he stated.

Mario Panteli, whose results were also among the highest, described the situation as "quite emotional, a shock." He expressed concern about his children's exposure in their garden.

Dr. David Megson, who led the testing at Manchester Metropolitan University, expressed dismay at the findings, stating the levels were far higher than expected for the general population.

More than 100 residents are considering group legal action against AGC Chemicals for damages related to contamination, seeking compensation for financial losses on homes and health risks. This potential case could be groundbreaking in the UK, drawing parallels to large-scale PFOA lawsuits in the US.

The AGC Chemicals factory, which operated on the site since the 1950s and continued using PFOA until 2012, announced earlier this month that it would close later this year due to market conditions. The factory has since switched to a replacement chemical, EEA-NH4, which was also detected in the blood of 10 tested residents.

Dr. Steve Hajioff noted that PFOA levels could have been higher in the past. While acknowledging the associated health risks, he cautioned that the increased chance of rare conditions like kidney cancer remains statistically low for individuals.

Wyre Borough Council is continuing to press for updated guidance from health agencies on the emerging research surrounding PFAS.