Kidney cancer rates near Pfas factory in Lancashire a ‘major source of concern’

The report states that the elevated kidney cancer rates in the two geographic areas could be the result of random variation because of the small sample size, but Megson said there was “plenty of other evidence that indicates that this is not the case”.

He added: “There are also a large number of limitations acknowledged in their report. I’d like those to be properly considered before concluding there has not been an impact.

“If a portion of land is designated as contaminated, it means there is a significant possibility of significant harm. Personally, I fear that this data is giving us strong evidence that the significant possibility has been realised, and that significant harm has already been caused.”

After environmental testing conducted by the Environment Agency, residents have been advised not to eat fruit, vegetables or eggs produced within 1km of the factory. An allotment on the factory border has been closed and classed as officially contaminated land after testing found elevated Pfoa in the soil and produce.

Dr Dan Middleton, a senior lecturer in environmental cancer epidemiology at the Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, also said he would be cautious about interpreting the findings as meaning that no further investigation was needed, “particularly given that kidney cancer is one of the cancers most consistently linked to Pfoa exposure”.

He added: “The observed findings should not simply be dismissed, and further evidence, particularly around historical exposures, would help place these results in their proper context.”

Dr Tony Fletcher, an epidemiologist and global Pfas expert at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said the report showed a small excess in kidney cancer that in most cases was not statistically significant, but that this was “entirely consistent with a small increase in risk due to [Pfoa] exposure”.

The experts have called for more research, including Pfoa blood testing. Middleton said this was the “missing link” in the study.

The law firm Leigh Day is investigating a potential legal claim against AGC Chemicals Europe on behalf of residents in Thornton-Cleveleys. As part of this, it is planning to offer blood testing to residents.

Sarah Moore, a partner at Leigh Day, said the firm would be working with its expert team to “fully understand these results over the coming months, as we offer members of the community Pfas blood tests if they wish to obtain a fuller picture about their personal exposure levels”.

The multi-agency health group said: “In line with national guidance, the health cell has concluded that there is no evidence of a kidney cancer cluster and no indication of a link to environmental contamination, and that no further investigation is required at this stage.”

AGC Chemicals Europe did not respond to a request for comment. A company spokesperson previously told the BBC that all its chemical processes were “rigorously monitored and controlled and compliant with current UK and EU environmental laws and regulations” and that it took its responsibilities to protect environmental health “extremely seriously”.