‘I just want to know if it has caused my cancer’: life in the shadow of Lancashire Pfas factory
A government-commissioned study has identified higher-than-expected rates of kidney cancer near a chemical plant in Lancashire, UK, that historically used PFOA. Residents are seeking answers regarding the long-term health impacts of these 'forever chemicals' used in non-stick manufacturing.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing public health crisis and environmental accountability issues surrounding PFAS contamination in industrial communities.
Last month, a government commissioned study found higher-than-expected rates of kidney cancer in the vicinity of the AGC Chemicals Europe plant. Last month, a government commissioned study found higher-than-expected rates of kidney cancer in the vicinity of the AGC Chemicals Europe plant. Pfas ‘I just want to know if it has caused my cancer’: life in the shadow of Lancashire Pfas factory People in Thornton-Cleveleys want answers on the impact of widespread contamination around the chemical plant
Pippa Neill Fri 10 Jul 2026 02.00 EDT Last modified on Fri 10 Jul 2026 13.04 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google “Everything I wanted was finally coming to fruition. A house, a change of job and getting married,” says Liz Hurst, looking out to sea on a hot evening in Blackpool.
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