High Levels of Cancer-Causing Chemical Found in Residents Near Lancashire Factory

Blood tests conducted on dozens of residents living near an AGC Chemicals factory in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, have revealed “really high levels” of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a cancer-causing “forever chemical.” The Environment Agency has been investigating contamination of soil and locally grown food in the area since 2024, concluding that the PFOA likely originated from the factory, which used the chemical in coating for frying pans until 2012. Residents within 1km of the factory have been advised to peel fruit and vegetables grown in their gardens, and two allotment sites are to be classified as contaminated land.

Forty-nine residents volunteered for independent blood tests funded by investigative journalists and Law for Change, receiving results on Wednesday. Andrew Molloy and Sam, along with her husband, were among those found to be in the highest-risk category. Sam expressed particular concern about the levels of PFOA found in her son, noting the potential for exposure through breastfeeding. The World Health Organization classifies PFOA as a Group 1 carcinogen, with clear evidence it can increase cancer risk; it was banned in the UK in 2020.

While the UK Health Security Agency does not currently recommend PFAS monitoring due to the unreliability of individual results, these independent tests have raised alarm among residents. The Environment Agency and Wyre Council continue to test the area, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Background

• PFOA is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization, indicating clear evidence of increased cancer risk [background knowledge].
• PFOA was used in the coating of frying pans by AGC Chemicals until 2012 [Fact Refinery, 2026-09-17].
• The Environment Agency began investigating PFOA contamination of soil and locally grown food in the Thornton-Cleveleys area in 2024 [Fact Refinery, 2026-09-17].
• The UK banned PFOA in 2020 [Fact Refinery, 2026-09-17].

Our reading

Our reading is that the independent blood tests confirm the Environment Agency’s ongoing investigation has identified a serious and potentially widespread health risk to residents near the AGC Chemicals factory. While the UK Health Security Agency currently questions the value of individual PFAS monitoring, the high levels found in these volunteers suggest a significant level of environmental contamination and potential exposure pathways, particularly through locally grown food and, concerningly, breastfeeding. The situation appears to be escalating beyond initial soil and food testing, prompting direct concern among those affected.

What to watch

• The Environment Agency’s ongoing testing results and any revised guidance regarding consumption of locally grown produce [Environment Agency website].
• Whether the Wyre Council classifies more allotment sites as contaminated land [Wyre Council website].
• Any announcement from the UK Health Security Agency regarding a potential review of its PFAS monitoring policy [UK Health Security Agency website].

Was this useful? 👍 0 👎 0

---

Read the original coverage