Kidney cancer rates near UK Pfas factory raise concern among experts
8 reported3 unconfirmed
A government-funded study into kidney cancer rates near a factory linked to forever chemicals near Blackpool has drawn criticism from independent experts who say its conclusions downplay the findings. The AGC Chemicals Europe plant in Thornton-Cleveleys emitted an estimated 49 tonnes of Pfoa, a known carcinogenic forever chemical banned globally in 2020, between the 1950s and 2012. A multi-agency health cell reviewed cancer rates from 2003 to 2022 within a 3-mile radius of the factory and found higher-than-expected kidney cancer rates in two areas. The study concluded there was no evidence of a statistically significant excess of kidney cancer cases, no cancer cluster, and no environmental association, recommending no further investigation. However, experts including Dr David Megson, Dr Dan Middleton, and Dr Tony Fletcher have called the conclusion contradictory and urged more research, including blood testing for Pfoa exposure. The law firm Leigh Day is investigating a potential legal claim against AGC Chemicals Europe on behalf of residents and plans to offer blood tests. The company did not respond to a request for comment but previously stated its processes comply with UK and EU regulations.
What’s reported
The AGC Chemicals Europe plant in Thornton-Cleveleys emitted an estimated 49 tonnes of Pfoa between the 1950s and 2012.
Pfoa, a known carcinogenic forever chemical, was banned globally in 2020.
A multi-agency health cell reviewed cancer rates from 2003 to 2022 within a 3-mile radius of the factory.
Two areas recorded higher-than-expected rates of kidney cancer, which international research has linked to Pfoa exposure.
The study found no statistically significant excess of kidney cancer cases and no evidence of a cancer cluster or environmental association.
Residents have been advised not to eat fruit, vegetables, or eggs produced within 1km of the factory due to elevated Pfoa in soil and produce.
Experts Dr David Megson, Dr Dan Middleton, and Dr Tony Fletcher have called the conclusion contradictory and urged further investigation and blood testing.
Leigh Day is investigating a potential legal claim against AGC Chemicals Europe and plans to offer blood tests to residents.
Open questions
Whether the elevated kidney cancer rates are due to random variation or Pfoa exposure.
What historical exposure levels were for residents near the factory.
Whether further investigation or blood testing will be conducted by authorities.
Key figures
Dr David Megson, forensic environmental scientist at Manchester Metropolitan University
Dr Dan Middleton, senior lecturer in environmental cancer epidemiology at Queen’s University Belfast
Dr Tony Fletcher, epidemiologist and Pfas expert at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Sarah Moore, partner at Leigh Day
AGC Chemicals Europe (company, no individual named)
Sources: The Guardian
