North Yorkshire Town Initiates Legal Action Against Manufacturer Over ‘Forever Chemicals’

In a North Yorkshire town, residents have initiated legal proceedings against a company that produces firefighting foam. This action stems from concerns regarding potential health hazards linked to “forever chemicals” discovered in the local soil and groundwater. Earlier this year, a report featured in The Guardian revealed that Bentham, a town situated close to the Lancashire border, recorded the highest identified concentration of synthetic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across the United Kingdom. This situation is attributed to Angus International Safety Group (Angus Fire), which formerly manufactured firefighting foams containing PFAS at a facility located near the town’s central area. The company stated that it halted the production of all foam products at the site in March but acknowledged worries regarding potential environmental consequences stemming from its past activities. Angus Fire communicated to the community in an update that it was notified in 2016 that its Class B foam, utilized for flammable and combustible liquid fires, “may have contained traces of PFOA,” a type of PFAS chemical. PFAS, present in various common products like frying pans and waterproof materials, are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to environmental degradation. Numerous PFAS compounds, including PFOS and PFOA, have raised health and environmental concerns, having been associated with cancer and problems related to fertility. Angus Fire asserted that it never intentionally incorporated PFOS into any of its product formulations and that it reformulated its Class B foam products using PFAS chemicals deemed “non-hazardous” by international chemical industry regulatory bodies at that period. The company confirmed that the manufacturing of foam products at the Bentham location concluded this year. Nevertheless, the community organization Cleaner Bentham has, this week, engaged legal counsel from Mishcon de Reya to initiate a lawsuit against the firm. The group also stated its ongoing efforts to secure funding for blood tests for residents, aiming to detect any health problems attributable to PFAS. Mat Young, who chairs Cleaner Bentham, commented: “Residents of High Bentham are devastated at how this has affected the town and other communities down the River Wenning.”We are all worried about the effect this might have on not only our families’ health but the health of anyone else affected by the pollution.” Emily Nicholson, a partner at Mishcon de Reya, indicated that this would represent the inaugural PFAS-related legal proceeding in the United Kingdom. She added, “PFAS cases have made huge waves in the US.” She further explained, “PFAS contamination is widely known about and is understood to have devastating consequences for both the health of those impacted and for the environment and is extremely difficult to remediate.” Ms Nicholson asserted that residents of Bentham are entitled to information regarding the scope of the contamination and to receive compensation “where they have suffered with their health or otherwise.” A spokesperson for Angus Fire confirmed awareness that lawyers had been engaged but stated that the company had not yet been served with notice of any legal action. The firm expressed regret for the “inconvenience and worry” caused, stating: “We have presented a number of options to residents whose properties border the legacy foam manufacturing and testing areas, which we believe could offer a constructive way forward and which also underscores our commitment to addressing the situation responsibly.” Angus Fire reported that it is collaborating with independent environmental consultants and the Environment Agency to thoroughly ascertain the extent of any PFAS contamination, which will “assist in determining the remediation required.” The Environment Agency stated that its main objective is to evaluate environmental risks and offer assistance to partners concerning risks to residents. It also mentioned that it is currently examining the firm’s environmental permit concerning PFAS. Yorkshire Water verified that the drinking water supply remained unaffected.