Environment & Climate

Tests detect high chemical levels in residents near Lancashire factory, BBC News reports

Blood tests revealed elevated PFOA levels in dozens of residents near a Lancashire plant, according to BBC News.

Updated Sep 23, 2026 · 22:50 UTC1 reports

The short version

Testing of 49 residents living near the AGC Chemicals facility in Lancashire revealed high levels of PFOA, a banned carcinogen.[BBC News]
Under US and German guidelines, 70% of those sampled have readings that could place them at increased risk of adverse health outcomes.[BBC News]
Environmental officials previously determined local soil contamination likely originated from the site, which stopped using the chemical in 2012 and plans to close this year.[BBC News]

Tests conducted by Manchester Metropolitan University found high levels of the carcinogen PFOA in 49 residents living near the AGC Chemicals facility.[BBC News]
According to US and German guidance thresholds, 70% of the sampled residents had concentrations that could heighten their risk of negative health effects.[BBC News]
The Environment Agency found elevated PFOA likely originated from the factory, which used the compound to make pan coatings until 2012.[BBC News]
Local authorities shut down two allotment sites awaiting formal contaminated land classification and told neighbors within one kilometer to peel homegrown produce.[BBC News]
The plant is scheduled to shut down permanently later this year due to market competition.[BBC News]

The full historical exposure remains uncertain, as a public health specialist noted levels may have been higher prior to the cessation of PFOA use in 2012.[BBC News]
The clinical utility of individual testing is contested; the UK Health Security Agency does not recommend routine PFAS monitoring because results rarely offer clear individual guidance.[BBC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.