Residents in Thornton-Cleveleys have been advised not to eat fruit, vegetables or eggs produced within 1km of a factory linked to forever chemicals. The health advisory comes amid growing concerns over kidney cancer rates near the AGC Chemicals Europe plant near Blackpool.
Study Findings Under Scrutiny
A government-funded study into cancer rates near the factory has drawn criticism from experts who say its conclusions downplay potential risks. The plant emitted an estimated 49 tonnes of PFOA, a known carcinogenic forever chemical, between the 1950s and 2012. PFOA was banned globally in 2020. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are known as forever chemicals because they persist in the environment.
The multi-agency health cell, including Lancashire County Council and the UK Health Security Agency, reviewed cancer rates from 2003 to 2022 within a 3-mile radius of the factory. While most cancers showed no higher-than-expected rates, two areas recorded elevated kidney cancer rates, a disease linked to PFOA exposure. However, the study concluded there was no statistically significant excess or cancer cluster, and no further investigation was warranted.
Expert Criticism
Dr David Megson, a forensic environmental scientist at Manchester Metropolitan University, called the conclusion “very contradictory” and said it appeared to downplay the findings. He noted the study identified higher-than-expected kidney cancer cases near a factory that released known human carcinogens. “This to me is a major source of concern,” he said.
Dr Dan Middleton, a senior lecturer in environmental cancer epidemiology at Queen’s University Belfast, urged caution, stating that kidney cancer is one of the cancers most consistently linked to PFOA exposure. He said the findings should not be dismissed and called for further evidence on historical exposures.
Dr Tony Fletcher, an epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said the small excess in kidney cancer was “entirely consistent with a small increase in risk due to PFOA exposure.”
Contamination and Legal Action
Environmental testing by the Environment Agency found elevated PFOA in soil and produce near the factory. An allotment on the factory border has been closed and classified as contaminated land. Residents have been advised not to consume local produce or eggs.
Law firm Leigh Day is investigating potential legal claims against AGC Chemicals Europe and plans to offer blood testing to residents. Sarah Moore, a partner at Leigh Day, said the firm would work with experts to understand the results and provide PFAS blood tests to the community.
The multi-agency health group maintained that there is no evidence of a kidney cancer cluster or link to environmental contamination, and no further investigation is required. AGC Chemicals Europe did not respond to a request for comment but previously stated that its processes are compliant with UK and EU environmental laws.
