Blood tests hope for contaminated soil residents

4 hours ago

Richard HuntLocal Democracy Reporting Service

News image — The Hillhouse chemical plant in Thornton produced so-called forever chemicals until 2012

Google Shot of the former ICI site taken from far away. The plant can be seen in the distance, surrounded by flat, green fields. — The Hillhouse chemical plant in Thornton produced so-called forever chemicals until 2012

Residents living near a former industrial site feared to have been contaminated by "forever chemicals" could soon be offered blood tests, lawyers have said.

Seven homes have been identified as "high risk" following an ongoing investigation into the chemicals released from the former ICI plant in Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire.

The chemical, known as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFAS), was once found in everyday products but was largely banned by the European Union in 2020.

Residents have been told neither the National Health Service nor Wyre Council would fund PFAS blood tests, but those living nearest the suspected contaminated land were advised that they could be arranged by their legal experts.

More than 60 residents living close to the Hillhouse Enterprise Zone have sought advice.

Law firm Leigh Day is considering bringing community-led legal action on their behalf.

Partner Sarah Moore told a public meeting that "other communities impacted by PFAS pollution have access to blood tests so that the extent of their exposure can be evaluated".

She said Wyre Council had rejected blood tests for residents.

The lawyer added: "The Leigh Day team are working with our independent experts to consider whether we may be able to provide access to blood testing for a small number of residents."

PFAS can be harmful to the environment and there are also concerns over its health impact.

AGC Chemicals Europe stopped using it in 2012.

The Environment Agency said it was continuing to look at the surrounding area that may have been contaminated.

AGC Chemicals Europe, which now owns and operates part of the former ICI site, said its "highest priority" was supporting the community.

Samantha Hammond, who is wearing a pink top and has her arm in a blue sling, is smiling at the camera in her allotment. — Samantha Hammond said eggs from her garden-reared ducks were contaminated with chemicals

Wyre Council said it had no legal remit for, nor expertise in, health matters and that these issues needed to be addressed by the UK Health Security Agency and Lancashire County Council.

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