Blood tests find high level of cancer-causing forever chemical in residents near factory
Independent tests found 69.4% of 49 residents had PFOA levels above the high-risk threshold, researchers said.
- On Wednesday, researchers from Manchester Metropolitan University reported that nearly 70% of 49 tested residents in Thornton-Cleveleys have elevated blood levels of PFOA, a cancer-causing forever chemical.
- Historic use of PFOA at the Hillhouse industrial site prompted a 2024 multi-agency investigation; AGC Chemicals Europe took over in 1999 and continued using PFOA until 2012, when it switched to replacement chemical EEA-NH4.
- Exposure to PFOA is linked to serious conditions including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and thyroid dysfunction, prompting Leigh Day partner Sarah Moore to call the results "hugely concerning" for the community.
- Over 100 residents are now considering group legal action against AGC Chemicals, with Moore stating compensation could cover health risks, home losses, and land use restrictions in a potentially "groundbreaking in the UK" case.
- AGC Chemicals announced it will cease production at Hillhouse by December 31, leaving residents to interpret elevated test results without official UK Health Security Agency blood-level guidance, creating regulatory uncertainty.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Cancer-causing forever chemicals found in blood of British residents near major chemical factory
Residents living in a Lancashire village near a factory were horrified to discover "really high levels" of a cancer-causing forever chemical.The village of Thornton-Cleveleys has been under investigation for years by the Environment Agency following reports of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) contamination.Investigators said high levels of PFOA likely came from the nearby AGC Chemicals factory, which manufactured coating for frying pans until 2012.…
The Independent
The Independent (US)Dangerous ‘forever chemicals’ found in blood of residents near UK factory
Almost 70 per cent of the 49 Thornton-Cleveleys residents tested had increased levels of a chemical known as perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA
‘Forever chemicals’ found at high levels in blood tests of Lancashire residents
The results of the blood tests, which were arranged by law firm Leigh Day, show that almost 70% of the 49 residents tested had increased levels of PFOA, a substance banned as it has been classed as a carcinogen.
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