- AGC Chemicals Europe plans to close its PFAS factory in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire.
- More than 90 residents have expressed interest in a potential legal claim over contamination from the plant's emissions.
- The factory emitted approximately 49 tonnes of carcinogenic PFOA between the 1950s and 2012.
Background to the Story
The AGC Chemicals Europe PFAS factory in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, faces closure after decades of operation. The decision comes days after reports emerged that over 90 residents have shown interest in pursuing a legal claim against the company for contamination caused by its emissions.
Details of Potential Legal Claim
The factory's closure was prompted by significant financial and operational challenges, resulting in losses over the past four years. However, AGC Chemicals Europe remains committed to its responsibilities towards employees, the local community, and the environment. The company states that if it decides to cease manufacturing operations, it will ensure compliance with all regulatory obligations.
History of Contamination
The factory, which AGC Chemicals purchased in 1999, has a history of emitting PFAS chemicals into the environment. Between the 1950s and 2012, it released an estimated 49 tonnes of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), a carcinogenic substance that is often referred to as a 'forever chemical' due to its persistence in the environment.
Impact on Local Community
The contamination has had significant implications for local residents. Soil tests and produce testing have revealed high levels of PFOA, leading authorities to advise residents to wash and peel homegrown food and avoid locally produced eggs. Two nearby allotment sites have been closed as a precautionary measure.
Investigations and Health Concerns
A government-commissioned study found higher-than-expected rates of kidney cancer in the area, though it did not establish a direct environmental link. Experts have called for further investigation, including blood testing. Internal documents from AGC Chemicals Europe revealed that they conducted tests on monkeys, which resulted in significant toxicity.
Legal and Environmental Concerns
The company faced scrutiny over its PFAS production methods, with internal documentation showing tests on animals as early as the late 1990s. AGC Chemicals Europe stopped using PFOA in 2012 but continues to produce another type of PFAS chemical called EEA-NH4. The Health and Safety Executive is currently considering whether to classify this substance as a possible carcinogen.
The potential legal action underscores the ongoing environmental challenges faced by communities near PFAS facilities. While the closure of AGC Chemicals Europe's factory is a significant development, it leaves many questions about long-term health impacts and regulatory oversight.
Source: The Guardian
Green News
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