Egg Safety Warning Issued in Lancashire After PFAS Contamination Found Near Chemical Plant

Egg Contamination Warning Near Former ICI Plant in Lancashire    

Residents living close to a chemical plant in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, have been urged to avoid eating home-produced eggs after testing revealed potentially harmful levels of PFAS, a group of long-lasting industrial chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

Wyre Council issued the precautionary advice following independent sampling of eggs from domestic poultry keepers located within one kilometre of the AGC Chemicals Europe site, part of the Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone. Scientists found levels of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), a chemical associated with potential cancer risks, that exceeded safe weekly consumption limits set by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

The FSA stated that consuming even one of these eggs per week could surpass the recommended safety threshold for PFAS exposure.

Background: Historic Chemical Use and PFAS Legacy

The site, formerly operated by ICI, used PFOA in manufacturing processes from the 1950s until 2012. Traces of this compound, which can persist in the environment for decades, are believed to have spread through soil and air emissions during that period.

This latest advisory follows a 2024 warning from Wyre Council, which recommended residents not eat locally grown fruit and vegetables due to PFAS contamination in nearby soil.

AGC Chemicals Europe, which now operates on part of the site, confirmed it ended the use of PFOA in 2012 and has never manufactured PFOS, another PFAS variant. The company said it continues to monitor emissions and maintains there has been “no significant impact” on the surrounding area over decades of testing.

Public Health Advisory and Community Engagement

The council emphasised that the latest guidance is precautionary and will be updated as more data becomes available. A multi-agency task force, including Wyre Council, the Environment Agency, and public health experts, is continuing the investigation to determine the scale and potential impact of the contamination.

Community drop-in sessions are scheduled for early March, allowing local residents to speak directly with scientists and agency representatives about test results, health concerns, and next steps.

Understanding PFAS and Their Health Risks

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are synthetic chemicals used for their resistance to heat, grease, and water. They are slow to degrade in the environment and can accumulate in living organisms, raising concerns over long-term health effects. Studies have linked certain PFAS compounds, including PFOA, to health issues such as cancers, thyroid disease, and immune disruption.

Because of this persistence, PFAS are often dubbed “forever chemicals.” Governments and scientific bodies across the world are increasingly studying their effects and setting regulatory limits on exposure.

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