Kidney Cancer Rates Near Pfas Factory in Lancashire Raise Major Concerns

The Lead

A recent government-funded study has raised concerns about kidney cancer rates in areas near a factory in Lancashire that used forever chemicals, specifically Pfoa, a known carcinogen. Despite the study's conclusion that no further investigation is warranted, experts are calling for more research and cautioning that the findings should not be dismissed.

The Event Details

The AGC Chemicals Europe factory in Thornton-Cleveleys, near Blackpool, emitted approximately 49 tonnes of Pfoa into the air between the 1950s and 2012. A multi-agency health group conducted a screening of cancer rates between 2003 and 2022 in areas within a 5km radius of the factory. The screening found higher than expected rates of kidney cancer in two areas, one south-east of the factory and one north of Blackpool.

The Data Analysis

The study examined the findings in further detail but found no evidence of a statistically significant excess of kidney cancer cases and no evidence of a cancer cluster or environmental association. However, experts argue that the study's conclusions are contradictory and downplay the findings. Dr David Megson, a forensic environmental scientist, described the conclusion as 'very contradictory' and said it 'seems to downplay the findings rather than assess it objectively.'

The Impact Analysis

Experts are concerned that the study's findings may be dismissed despite the link between Pfoa exposure and kidney cancer. Dr Dan Middleton, a senior lecturer in environmental cancer epidemiology, said that kidney cancer is one of the cancers most consistently linked to Pfoa exposure and that further evidence, particularly around historical exposures, would help place these results in their proper context. Dr Tony Fletcher, an epidemiologist and global Pfas expert, said the report showed a small excess in kidney cancer that was 'entirely consistent with a small increase in risk due to [Pfoa] exposure.'

The Prediction

Experts are calling for more research, including Pfoa blood testing, to determine the extent of the impact. The law firm Leigh Day is investigating a potential legal claim against AGC Chemicals Europe on behalf of residents in Thornton-Cleveleys and plans to offer blood testing to residents. As the investigation continues, residents remain concerned about the potential health risks associated with exposure to forever chemicals.