Full Breakdown
PFAS Contamination Near AGC Chemicals Europe Factory Prompts Blood Testing and Health Concerns
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Core Event: Blood Testing Reveals Elevated PFAS Levels in Residents
An independent biomonitoring program tested the blood of 49 local residents after a 2024 Wyre borough council and Environment Agency investigation into per-fluoro-octanoic acid (PFOA) near the AGC Chemicals Europe factory in Thornton-Cleveleys. Seventy percent recorded combined PFAS concentrations above the U.S. guideline of 20 ng ml?¹. Reported levels included 25 ng ml?¹ (Sam Hammond), 111 ng ml?¹ (her son), 43 ng ml?¹ (Alan Hodson) and 436 ng ml?¹ (anonymous woman).
Background & Context: History of PFOA Emissions and Regulatory Landscape
The plant, formerly ICI, used PFOA until 2012. PFOA is classified as a group-1 carcinogen and was added to a global ban in 2020. The UK lacks official guidance on safe PFAS blood concentrations, whereas U.S. agencies advise screening when combined levels exceed 20 ng ml?¹.
Data & Statistics: Test Results and Cancer Findings
- Cohort: 49 volunteers from the immediate vicinity.
- Elevated PFAS prevalence: 70 % above 20 ng ml?¹.
- Notable individual levels: 25 ng ml?¹, 111 ng ml?¹, 43 ng ml?¹, 436 ng ml?¹.
- Cancer surveillance: An initial government-commissioned study noted higher kidney-cancer rates near the plant; a later review found no statistically significant excess and did not recommend a cluster investigation.
Official Statements & Responses
- Wyre borough council: Advises residents within 1 km to wash and peel home-grown produce and avoid locally sourced eggs; two nearby allotments will close.
- AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd spokesperson: Says testing parties have not shared data, notes the UK position that PFAS blood testing does not predict future health problems, and that biomonitoring is not NHS-recommended.
- UK Health Security Agency: Confirms PFAS monitoring is not recommended because tests provide limited individual-level information.
- Dr Dave Megson (Manchester Metropolitan University): Calls for central-government support for wider biomonitoring, citing similar incidents elsewhere.
On-the-Ground Reports
- Sam Hammond found duck eggs from her garden would exceed European limits if eaten weekly and expressed concern after her son’s 111 ng ml?¹ result.
- Alan Hodson reported high PFOA in beetroot and a blood level of 43 ng ml?¹, describing the situation as “wasted time.”
- Mario Pantani, a nearby resident, stopped consuming eggs after receiving “shockingly high” results.
- Unnamed woman with a recent tumor removal recorded 436 ng ml?¹.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The initial study highlighted elevated kidney-cancer rates, while a later review found no significant excess, leaving the true risk unclear. The absence of UK guidance on safe PFAS blood levels adds uncertainty to health responses.
What’s Next
The multi-agency investigation continues; no formal land-contamination determination under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act has been made. AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd reiterated its commitment to community health, and the government has been contacted for comment. No timeline for further testing, remediation, or policy changes has been announced.