Residents in Lancashire living near a chemicals plant in Thornton Cleveleys have been advised to take precautions when consuming homegrown produce due to potential chemical contamination in the soil. An investigation is currently underway to determine whether the soil in the area has been contaminated with a banned toxic chemical known as PFOA, which belongs to the PFAS family of chemicals.
The World Health Organization has classified PFOA as a human carcinogen, meaning it has the potential to cause cancer in humans. In addition to its carcinogenic properties, PFOA is also toxic to reproduction and has been linked to various health issues such as thyroid disease and increased cholesterol levels. Given these serious health risks, it is crucial for residents in the vicinity of the chemicals plant to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families.
Investigative efforts by the Environment Agency, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and Wyre council have shed light on the extent of PFOA emissions from the AGC Chemicals plant over the years. Documents obtained by Watershed Investigations and the Guardian reveal that approximately 115 tonnes of PFOA were emitted into the air, soil, water, and landfills between 1950 and 2012, encompassing the period when the chemicals company ICI operated at the site.
Of the total mass releases of PFOA, AGC estimates that 49.1 tonnes were emitted into the air, 54.3 tonnes into water, 6.2 tonnes into landfills, 5.1 tonnes were incinerated, and 63.3 tonnes were sent to customers. The investigation aims to determine the presence of PFOA in the soil surrounding the site to assess the extent of contamination and potential risks to public health.
Precautionary Measures
As a precautionary measure, residents have been advised to wash and peel any vegetables grown in their gardens to remove any potential contamination from the soil. The advice from Wyre council emphasizes the importance of reducing contact with the soil and taking sensible measures to minimize exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
Claire Rimmer, a Wyre councillor, highlighted the significance of the initial testing phase in the vicinity of the site, which will serve as a pilot to gauge the level of contamination. Depending on the results, the investigation may be expanded to include more locations for comprehensive testing and analysis.
The instruction to wash and peel homegrown produce echoes similar incidents of chemical pollution in other regions, such as the case in Zwijndrecht, Belgium. In that instance, residents living near a 3M factory were advised to refrain from consuming eggs and vegetables from their gardens due to potential contamination with harmful chemicals.
Environmental Impact
The revelation of historical PFOA emissions from the AGC Chemicals plant raises concerns about the long-term environmental impact of such contamination. PFOA, known as a “forever chemical,” has a persistent nature that allows it to remain in the environment for thousands of years without breaking down.
Prof Ian Cousins, a PFAS expert at Stockholm University, expressed shock at the delayed action taken to address the emissions of PFOA from the plant. Based on the historical emissions data, there is a high likelihood of elevated PFOA levels in the soil within a few kilometers of the site, underscoring the importance of caution when consuming local produce.
Cousins highlighted the need for comprehensive monitoring of PFAS emissions from industrial sites to prevent further environmental contamination and protect public health. The focus on PFOA in the current investigation may overlook the potential presence of other PFAS chemicals that could pose similar risks to the environment and human health.
Regulatory Response
AGC Chemicals Europe has responded to the investigation by emphasizing its commitment to environmental compliance and health safety measures. The company stated that it ceased the use of PFOA as a polymerisation aid in its manufacturing processes in 2012, aligning with the voluntary phase-out of PFOA.
In a statement, AGC Chemicals Europe assured that its current activities are in compliance with UK and EU environmental regulations, with regular monitoring of emissions to ensure minimal risk to the environment and human health. The company explained that any detected presence of PFOA in recent effluent discharges is related to historical pollution and not due to ongoing use of the banned chemical.
Dr Dave Megson, a forensic environmental scientist at Manchester Metropolitan University, welcomed the investigation while expressing concerns about the potential human exposure to PFOA contamination. The persistent nature of PFOA poses a significant risk of long-term exposure, necessitating thorough assessment and monitoring to safeguard public health.
The limited scope of the investigation focusing solely on PFOA emissions has raised questions about the need for broader monitoring of other PFAS chemicals released from the site. Dr. Megson emphasized the importance of conducting human biomonitoring studies to evaluate the extent of exposure among residents in the vicinity of the chemicals plant.
Dr. John Astbury, a public health consultant at UKHSA North West, highlighted the ongoing assessment of potential health risks posed by the contamination and pledged to provide guidance and support to the relevant authorities. As the investigation progresses and more data becomes available, collaborative efforts will be made to develop further guidance and mitigation strategies to address the environmental and health implications of the contamination.
In conclusion, the investigation into PFOA contamination in Lancashire underscores the critical need for proactive measures to safeguard public health and prevent further environmental degradation. The revelations of historical emissions from the AGC Chemicals plant serve as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impacts of chemical pollution on communities and ecosystems. Moving forward, comprehensive monitoring, regulatory oversight, and community engagement will be essential in mitigating the risks associated with PFAS contamination and ensuring a safe and sustainable environment for all.
