Residents near the AGC Chemicals Europe manufacturing plant in Thornton-Cleveleys are facing land-use restrictions and health concerns following a government-commissioned study that identified higher-than-expected rates of kidney cancer in the area. Between the 1950s and 2012, the facility emitted approximately 49 tonnes of Pfoa, a “forever chemical” linked by international research to kidney cancer. While the study found no evidence of a specific cancer cluster, the Environment Agency (EA) and local council have since identified widespread soil contamination, leading to warnings against consuming local produce and eggs.
The Legacy of Forever Chemicals in Thornton-Cleveleys
Pfoa (perfluorooctanoic acid) belongs to a broader group of substances known as Pfas, or “forever chemicals,” so named because they do not naturally break down in the environment. According to the investigation, the Thornton-Cleveleys site utilized Pfoa in the production of PTFE, a non-stick coating material. Although Pfoa was banned globally in 2020, the historical emissions have left a lingering footprint in the local soil.
The impact on the community is tangible. Residents like Alan Hodson, who maintained an allotment bordering the factory, have been told their land is officially contaminated. Soil samples from Hodson’s plot revealed Pfoa levels seven times higher than Belgium’s guideline levels. Consequently, the local council has moved to shut down the allotment site, forcing gardeners to dispose of years of cultivated produce.
Health Implications and Scientific Uncertainty
For individuals like Liz Hurst, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer at 32, the discovery of local contamination has raised difficult questions. Hurst, who worked in the factory’s labs as a student, notes that the facility was a constant presence in the town. While the government-commissioned study did not establish a direct causal link between the factory’s emissions and individual cancer cases, world-leading experts have categorized the findings as a “major source of concern.”
The situation for other residents, such as Sam Hammond, remains in flux. Testing on Hammond’s property revealed Pfoa levels in garden soil 40 times higher than international guidelines. Duck eggs from her garden were found to contain concentrations so high that consuming one egg per week would exceed European safe weekly exposure limits by a factor of ten. Despite these findings, residents report being left in a state of uncertainty regarding the long-term health implications for their families.
Potential Legal Action and Regulatory Response
The regulatory response is currently managed by Wyre council and the Environment Agency. A spokesperson for the council stated that the investigation is “complex” and that they are working to ensure any resulting decisions are “robust, evidence-based and unchallengeable.”
Legal momentum is building. The law firm Leigh Day has confirmed it is investigating a potential claim against AGC Chemicals Europe on behalf of residents for “loss of enjoyment and usage” of land and potential personal injuries. More than 90 residents have expressed interest in legal action, and 50 have undergone blood testing. This follows a broader trend of international legal challenges regarding Pfas, including billion-dollar settlements in the United States and recent complaints filed with the European Committee of Social Rights regarding government oversight in Belgium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are “forever chemicals” (Pfas)?
Pfas, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals used in various industrial processes, including non-stick coatings. They are called “forever chemicals” because they are highly resistant to environmental degradation.
Is there a safe level of Pfoa in soil?
In the UK, there is currently no established “safe level” for Pfoa in soil or food, leading regulators to rely on international guidelines and precautionary measures, such as avoiding the consumption of local eggs and produce.