High PFOA Levels Detected in Blood of Residents Near Lancashire Factory

Since 2024 the Environment Agency and Wyre Council have been testing soil, produce and eggs near the AGC Chemicals Europe site in Thornton-Cleveleys, uncovering persistent PFOA contamination. New blood-testing results for 49 nearby residents indicate that almost 70% have concentrations that, by international guidelines, place them at heightened risk of serious illness, and one person recorded the highest level ever measured in the UK.

The chemical, banned in the UK in 2020 and classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organisation, was formerly used in pan-coating production at the plant, which ceased operations in 2012. Affected locals, including Andrew Molloy and Marion Panteli, expressed shock and fear for their families, and more than 100 residents are reportedly weighing a group lawsuit against the firm. AGC Chemicals cautioned that the multi-agency probe is still underway and no formal determination of land contamination has been made, even as the company announced the plant will close later this year.