UK: “forever chemicals” in food grown near a former chemical plant

Residents of Thornton-Cleveleys in Lancashire have been warned about the presence of “forever chemicals” in their homegrown vegetables. According to Wyre Council leader Michael Vincent, samples taken from allotments near the AGC Chemicals and ICI Hillhouse, a former chemical plant, contained high levels of the substances. The samples were collected during an investigation into the possible contamination of the area with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOA is part of the so-called “forever chemicals”, a group of man-made substances extremely resistant to breaking down in the environment. They are used in several products, including food packaging and furniture, and have been linked to cancer, hypertensive disorders, hormone interference, and other harmful health conditions. After discovering the presence of the chemicals, Wyre Council wrote to residents advising them to wash their hands thoroughly after working in their allotments and to take great care in preparing homegrown vegetables for consumption, washing, and peeling them. Vincent said that health risks are low, but it is better not to consume fruits and vegetables grown in the ground before a more detailed assessment. Therefore, the council will write again to the public, inviting them to avoid local products until the end of a series of tests conducted by the Environment Agency in the area.