49 Thornton-Cleveleys residents volunteered for PFOA blood tests; 70% had readings that could indicate increased health risks under US and German guidelines. The UK has no recommendation on acceptable PFAS levels in people; elevated readings do not mean illness is certain.
Manchester Metropolitan University conducted the independent tests. Since 2024, the Environment Agency and Wyre Council have found elevated PFOA in local soil, eggs and vegetables; their investigation concluded it likely came through the air from nearby AGC Chemicals, which used PFOA in frying-pan coatings until 2012. Two allotments are closed and due to be classified as contaminated land; residents within 1km are advised to peel garden-grown produce. Possible effects include a higher risk of reduced thyroid function, kidney and testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, pre-eclampsia and ulcerative colitis.
More than 100 residents, including some who were tested, are considering group legal action against AGC Chemicals. Leigh Day, which represents some residents, said compensation could be sought for financial losses on homes, health risks and the effect on residents’ use and enjoyment of land. AGC said the multi-agency investigation remains ongoing and no formal determination of land contamination has been made; it also said the factory will close later this year.
