49 UK Residents Near AGC Factory Show High PFOA Blood Levels, Fueling Legal Action
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 23
49 UK Residents Near AGC Factory Show High PFOA Blood Levels, Fueling Legal Action
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 23
Summary
Blood tests on 49 people in Thornton-Cleveleys found 70% had PFOA levels high enough to indicate increased health risks under US and German guidance.
Manchester Metropolitan University ran the independent testing after years of local concern; investigators had already found elevated PFOA in soil, eggs and vegetables near the AGC Chemicals site.
Residents were told the contamination likely came from the factory's historic use of PFOA, which it used until 2012 and which the UK banned in 2020 as a carcinogen.
More than 100 residents are now considering a group claim against AGC Chemicals, seeking damages for property losses, disrupted use of homes and health-related risks.
The case could become the UK's first community lawsuit over PFAS contamination, while researchers and local officials press for wider testing and clearer health guidance.