I'm pleased about more PFOA contamination research, but I won't be waiting for results to fight for action

Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP Lorraine Beavers has vowed to continue fighting for the remediation of contaminated land and accountability over PFOA pollution in Thornton, despite welcoming further research into the chemicals affecting the area.

Her comments come as more research is being carried out to establish population levels of PFOA, PFAS, arsenic, lead and other chemicals, with concerns about their potential impact on residents' health.

Beavers said: “On PFOA contamination, I am really pleased to see more research being carried out which will help establish population levels of PFOA, PFA, arsenic, lead & other chemicals. We all know that these chemicals are linked to health conditions but without robust evidence showing both causal links and the levels at which risk increases, it is difficult to know how best to protect ourselves and our communities.

“This is a vital first step but I will not be waiting for the results to fight for action on our PFOA contamination. We know that there is a risk from PFOA (even if we need to do more to understand it) and we know that local land is contaminated so I will keep fighting for the remediation & accountability we need to reduce the risk to you & your families now.”

The MP's comments follow concerns over blood test results from Thornton, which have shown that two thirds of residents tested had 'high levels' of cancer-causing toxins in their systems. The Environment Agency (EA) has confirmed that three sites in Thornton are contaminated by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a man-made chemical known to accumulate in the blood.

The areas of concern include Hillylaid Pool, an effluent pit near the historic ICI Hillhouse site, as well as Sandringham Avenue Allotments and Occupation Road Allotments. PFOA, which has been used in products including non-stick coatings for pans, has been linked to cancer, immune system disorders and high levels of bad cholesterol.

The Environment Agency is leading the investigation into contaminated land currently occupied by AGC Chemicals Europe. Previous testing also found the chemical in the soil of 71 properties surrounding the plant.

Beavers said further research was important to establish the extent of exposure and better understand the risks, but stressed that action to address the contamination should not be delayed while investigations continue.