Carcinogenic substance detected in soil at former Lancashire chemical plant

A potentially cancer-causing substance has been identified at the site of a former chemical facility in Lancashire. Wyre Council initiated an inquiry into the AGC Chemicals site, previously known as ICI, located in Thornton-Cleveleys, earlier this year, following complaints from area residents. Soil samples collected by the Environment Agency from within a 1km (0.6 mile) radius revealed traces of Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies as carcinogenic. This discovery led the Food Standards Agency to advise individuals consuming produce cultivated in adjacent allotments to thoroughly wash and peel these items prior to consumption. Wyre Council stated: “Everyone in the country is exposed to very low levels of PFOA due to their diet.” The council further noted: “Based on current information, local residents who regularly eat large amounts of vegetables and fruits grown in allotments and gardens could be increasing their exposure.” They added: “These samples confirm PFOA is present at a level which indicates that more detailed testing is now required.” The council also mentioned that due to the intricate nature of the investigation, it was anticipated to be “a fairly length process”. According to Wyre Council, ICI, along with its successor site owner AGC Chemicals, had authorization to utilize PFOA between the 1950s and 2012. This substance was commonly employed in household products such as non-stick cookware and water-resistant apparel.