Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’: Alarming Levels Found in UK Town Residents’ Blood

Alarming levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, have been detected in the blood of residents in Bentham, North Yorkshire. This follows investigations revealing the town’s groundwater contains the highest recorded levels of PFAS in the UK, linked to historical operations at the Angus Fire factory. The findings, part of an ITV documentary produced in collaboration with Ends Report, raise concerns about potential health impacts for the local population.

PFAS Exposure: What the Blood Tests Reveal

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in a wide range of consumer products, including firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, and water-resistant clothing. Their widespread utilize and environmental persistence have led to global contamination, and growing evidence suggests links to a variety of adverse health effects, including certain cancers and reproductive issues. The recent blood testing in Bentham revealed particularly high concentrations in some residents, exceeding levels considered potentially harmful by US standards.

The highest individual level recorded was 405 ng/ml in a former Angus Fire worker, more than 200 times the 2 ng/ml threshold established by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASem) in the US, above which potential adverse health effects may occur. NASem similarly indicates an increased risk of adverse effects and the need for more frequent health screenings when PFAS levels exceed 20 ng/ml. Concerningly, 23% of the 39 people tested in Bentham fell into this higher-risk category.

Reproductive Health and Individual Experiences

Among those with elevated PFAS levels is 34-year-classic Stephen Illston, who has experienced difficulties conceiving a child. His PFAS level was measured at 55 ng/ml. Illston shared that discovering the elevated levels felt like an explanation for his struggles, potentially linking his infertility to PFAS exposure. Research increasingly suggests a connection between PFAS exposure and reproductive health problems, including lower sperm count as detailed in scientific studies.

Expert Analysis and Contextualizing the Risk

Dr. David Megson, a forensic environmental scientist at Manchester Metropolitan University, analyzed the blood test results and described the findings as “absolutely shocked” and “exceptionally high” compared to background levels in the US population. He noted that the vast majority of those tested had levels above average, with a significant proportion in the top 5%. Dr. Shubhi Sharma from the environmental charity Chem Trust echoed these concerns, stating the levels are “alarming” given the established links between PFAS and various health problems.

It’s important to note that the UK currently lacks official guidelines defining safe PFAS levels in blood. This contrasts with the US, where NASem has established thresholds for potential health risks. The absence of UK-specific guidance complicates the interpretation of these findings and highlights the need for further research and regulatory action.

Exposure Pathways and Environmental Factors

Investigations suggest multiple potential exposure pathways for residents of Bentham. The primary source is linked to the Angus Fire factory, which produced PFAS-containing firefighting foam between 1976 and 2024. An internal Environment Agency report from 2024 indicates that “aerial dispersal” from foam testing could expose residents through the consumption of produce grown in allotments and private gardens. This pathway is considered “likely” by the agency.

Lindsay Young, a Bentham resident with a PFAS level of 30 ng/ml, described frequent test fires at the Angus Fire site, releasing plumes of black smoke into the air. These fires, she says, prompted residents to seek shelter indoors, but the source and composition of the smoke remained unknown.

Angus Fire’s Response and Regulatory Oversight

Angus Fire acknowledges concerns about potential environmental impacts but maintains that interpreting blood tests for PFAS is complex and lacks international consensus. The company argues that classifying the Bentham blood data as “unusually high” in the UK context is unfounded, and that the small sample size limits the conclusions that can be drawn. They also emphasize that elevated PFAS levels do not necessarily indicate health problems or reflect how the chemicals were absorbed.

The Environment Agency report highlights a gap in regulatory oversight, noting that fire testing at the Angus Fire site was not regulated under the company’s environmental permit. Responsibility for regulating these fires fell to North Yorkshire Council, which, due to the factory’s connection to firefighting, was exempt from the Clean Air Act 1993, which typically prohibits emissions of dark smoke.

Broader Implications and International Responses

The situation in Bentham reflects a growing global concern about PFAS contamination. The European Union is actively working towards a blanket ban of these chemicals as reported by the Guardian, while the UK’s approach remains under scrutiny. In Jersey, a similar PFAS contamination issue linked to firefighting foam at the airport has prompted the government to seek advice from a scientific panel led by Dr. Tony Fletcher of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

The Jersey panel has recommended that women of childbearing age with PFAS levels exceeding 10 ng/ml, and anyone with levels above 20 ng/ml eligible for cholesterol-lowering medication, consider treatment with colesevelam, a cholesterol drug shown to lower PFAS levels, with bloodletting as a secondary option. Dr. Fletcher suggests that individuals in Bentham with elevated PFAS levels could discuss these potential interventions with their physicians.

What Comes Next: Monitoring, Research, and Potential Mitigation

Angus Fire states it has been working with environmental consultants and the Environment Agency to assess the extent of PFAS contamination and has ceased testing PFAS foams in Bentham since 2022. Yet, the company acknowledges that its historical operations may not be the sole source of PFAS in the area. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the extent of contamination and identify all potential sources.

Ongoing monitoring of groundwater and blood PFAS levels in Bentham is crucial to track the extent of exposure and assess potential health trends. Increased research is needed to establish safe PFAS levels in blood for the UK population and to better understand the long-term health effects of exposure. A comprehensive review of regulatory oversight of PFAS-related activities, including fire testing, is also warranted to prevent future contamination incidents.