Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Page last updated: 25 September 2026
Advice from the Health Agencies
The Health Cell brings together public health and health organisations including Lancashire County Council, the UK Health Security Agency and NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board.
Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health, Wellbeing and Communities for Lancashire, and Chair of the Health Cell, said:
“We understand that residents in Thornton Cleveleys want clear answers about PFAS and what this may mean for their health.
“We are concerned that some residents have been offered blood tests that cannot show where exposure occurred, whether PFAS has caused a health condition or what their future health risk may be.
"PFAS biomonitoring is not currently recommended for individuals through the NHS or private blood tests.
"We are also concerned that people may have been advised to consider intrusive therapies to reduce PFAS levels. Evidence that these interventions improve health outcomes remains uncertain, and should not be pursued without specialist clinical advice and oversight.
“The multi-agency group will continue to review the best available evidence, share information openly and update health advice as necessary.
"If you develop symptoms of concern please contact your GP or NHS 111 for assessment and care in the usual way. Your symptoms will be assessed and any appropriate care arranged through standard NHS pathways."
Why might PFAS be found in people’s blood?
PFAS are widely present in the environment and in everyday products. Many people in the UK are therefore likely to have measurable levels of some PFAS in their blood. Exposure can come from several sources, including food, drinking water, air, dust and consumer products.
What does a PFAS blood test show?
A PFAS blood test may show that exposure has occurred, but it cannot usually identify where the exposure came from, when it happened or what effect it may have on a person’s health.
Can a PFAS blood test predict future health problems?
No. Current tests cannot predict whether a person will develop a health problem in the future. The potential health effects of PFAS exposure remain uncertain, and research is continuing.
Should residents arrange a PFAS blood test?
PFAS blood tests are not currently recommended because a test is unlikely to provide clear or clinically useful information. The test is not currently available on the NHS. PFAS are widespread in the environment, and exposure can come from many sources, including food, drinking water, air and everyday products. A blood test cannot identify where exposure came from, predict future health problems or determine the cause of an existing health condition.
Is my “high” result due to emissions from the nearby AGC site?
Many people in the UK are likely to have measurable levels of PFAS in their blood. Because PFAS are widespread in the environment, test results may reflect exposure from many sources, including food, drinking water, air and everyday products. A test result cannot identify where the exposure came from.
I have been told my PFAS blood results are high. Should I be worried about my health, and is there anything I should do?
We understand that people may feel concerned after receiving their biomonitoring results.
Many people in the UK are likely to have measurable levels of PFAS in their blood. Biomonitoring can show that PFAS are present, but it cannot predict whether someone will develop health problems in the future or determine the cause of an existing health condition.
Evidence suggests that potential interventions to improve health outcomes remain uncertain, and should not be pursued without specialist clinical advice and oversight.
If you develop the following symptoms: bloody diarrhoea, blood in your wee or testicular lumps, please contact your GP or NHS 111 for assessment and care in the usual way. Your symptoms will be assessed and any appropriate care arranged through standard NHS pathways.
My cholesterol level is high. Is this linked to the site?
A PFAS blood result cannot determine the cause of raised cholesterol or establish whether it is linked to the site. Anyone concerned about their cholesterol should speak to their GP, who can assess established risk factors and advise on appropriate care.
How should the US guidance and the term “high” be interpreted?
The US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) is an independent, non-governmental organisation that was asked to provide advice to the
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) on PFAS testing and clinical care. Organisations commissioned independently by a law firm have used this guidance to interpret blood samples collected from residents living near the Thornton-Cleveleys site.
A number of international health-based guidance values and human biomonitoring values are available. However, as outlined by the Committee on Toxicity, there are significant uncertainties in the evidence about the potential health risks of PFAS, which should be considered when interpreting these values.
What does the latest evidence say about health effects?
A UK Health Security Agency rapid evidence review considered 35 international cohort studies published between 2005 and 2025. It concluded that there is currently inadequate evidence to determine whether long-term PFAS exposure from local industrial or manufacturing sites causes adverse health effects in nearby communities.
Did the review identify any possible associations?
The review found evidence suggesting an association between PFOS, and PFAS mixtures containing PFOS, and lower birthweight. However, the review said any measurable effect would be unlikely to be detectable in local communities in England because low and very low birthweight are uncommon. For many other outcomes, including heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, some pregnancy and birth outcomes, and autoimmune diseases, there was not enough evidence to determine whether they were linked to PFAS exposure.
What further research is UKHSA doing?
UKHSA-funded researchers and academic partners are carrying out experimental work to improve our understanding of likely exposures. UKHSA will keep the evidence under review and update its public health advice if needed.
Why was biomonitoring undertaken in Jersey?
The Government of Jersey’s PFAS biomonitoring and intervention approach was recommended specifically for a defined group of people who had been exposed to PFAS by drinking water from known contaminated private supplies. Biomonitoring was not offered in Jersey as a screening method for the general public.
Where can I find more information?
General Information: Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): general information - GOV.UK
UKHSA Rapid Review: The health impacts from industrial sources of PFAS: a rapid review - GOV.UK
Committee on Toxicity review: Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment - GOV.UK
Background about PFAS Chemicals
The investigation - Background, current and future
What was the trigger for the investigation?
How are sampling locations selected?
Is this connected to the issues at Jameson Road Landfill Site?
Why do you need to carry out several phases of sampling?
If PFOA is found in soil samples, does this mean land is contaminated?
A blue-grey coloured liquid can be seen leaving the site into the River Wyre - is this PFOA?
How can we find out more about this?
What do the sampling results from produce grown at allotments near to the Hillhouse site show?
Planning and Property
Will I be able to sell my house?
Why is further sampling required? If PFOA is found to be above the guidelines, is this unsafe?
Health
Is there an acceptable or safe level of PFOA for soil?
How do you assess the risk to health from the level of contamination in soil?
Advice from the UK Health Security Agency
Is there any public health risk?
Phase 1
Will samples be taken outside of the Hillhouse site?
What are PFAS?
These chemicals belong to a group called PFAS, which stands for Per- and Poly-Fluorinated Substances. Sometimes known as “forever chemicals”.
There are thousands of chemicals in the PFAS family; and they have different uses and properties.
PFAS chemicals have been widely used in a range of manufacturing processes which began in the early 1950s. As more research is carried out, both in the UK and abroad, our understanding of the potential risk is improving.
PFAS are durable, oil and water resistant, synthetic chemicals, which provide benefits in a large range of applications across the industrial and manufacturing sector. They are often used as stain repellents, in coatings, and in fire-fighting foams.
They are widely used in consumer products such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, cosmetics, and food packaging.
PFAS are persistent and some are bio-accumulative and mobile in the environment. This means they will continue to be present and detected for many years. There is considerable national and international research ongoing into the potential risks posed to the environment and human health by PFAS.
Only a few hundred PFAS chemicals are or have been in commercial use. Only a small number of these show any evidence of health and environmental risks, but further research is being done globally to establish if other PFAS pose a risk.
What is PFOA?
PFOA is a type of PFAS and is a Persistent Organic Pollutant that has been subject to restricted use under the Stockholm Convention since 2020.
The UK Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment is currently reviewing evidence on the health effects of PFAS, which will give us a better understanding of potential health risks.
What was the trigger for the investigation?
The formal inspection of land began in 2024, following evidence the Environment Agency obtained indicating historic emission of PFOA from the AGC site. Earlier work undertaken by the EA included risk evaluations of PFAS used currently in England, reviewing permitted facilities, and a project to map sources of PFAS. AGC was prioritised for a review of its permit, to assess how emissions were currently being managed.
As part of this process, the Environment Agency asked AGC to provide information on current and historic use of PFAS on its site. In response to this query, AGC provided information on emissions to air, land and water, indicating that PFOA - a key chemical which had formed part of its production process - had been released into the environment. AGC provided estimates of emissions dating back to the 1950s, when ICI was in control of the site, up until 2012 when PFOA was phased out.
Reviewing this information, and the possibility of PFOA emissions to the wider environment, Environment Agency specialists considered the need for precautionary sampling from the site and surrounding area to better understand potential chemical dispersion.
The EA informed Wyre Council - as the lead authority for contaminated land - of their concerns and to raise the possibility of land contamination in relation to the AGC site at Thornton-Cleveleys.
In response, Wyre Council requested that the Environment Agency inspect the site and surrounding land under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (the Contaminated Land Regime). Wyre Council has since been working closely with the Environment Agency to progress the investigation.
How are sampling locations selected?
When sampling is done outside the boundary of the industrial site, it would start with areas of land where the deposition of chemicals is considered most likely.
In the first instance, we are looking at public land closest to the site of potential contamination. Sampling will take place in a phased manner and may move out to surrounding areas, depending on what is revealed in the first stages of the investigation. This may mean areas of land which aren’t included in the first phases of work are tested later.
The investigation strategy has been jointly agreed between the Environment Agency and Wyre Council.
Is this connected to the issues at Jameson Road Landfill Site?
No, this is a separate issue. This investigation has been launched to establish if historic contamination has occurred from the usage of PFOA at the former ICI site, now AGC Chemicals Ltd, at Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone.
You can find out more information on Jameson Road Landfill Site here: Jameson Road Landfill Site webpage
Why do you need to carry out several phases of sampling?
Determining the level of risk is a complex process which uses a variety of information. While a handful of soil samples taken from a parcel of land will identify likely chemical deposition, a lot more samples are needed to confidently conclude on risk posed to the users of that land.
Data from soil samples is one of these sources of information, but the way the land is used and who by are also important, contributing factors. Screening levels differ for certain types of land use because people use land differently which affects their exposure to soil contamination.
We are committed to keeping the community informed about the investigation and we will make sure information is made available as soon as possible.
If PFOA is found in soil samples, does this mean land is contaminated?
No. Phase I was purely a snapshot exercise to better understand whether chemicals might have been released from the factory. The limited number of locations chosen and samples obtained is not sufficient for a detailed risk assessment. The data provided by the Phase I sampling programme confirmed the presence of PFOA and acted as a trigger for further investigations to be undertaken.
The subsequent phases of the investigation are providing more information to enable a thorough risk assessment to take place. This process is complex and takes time to complete. We understand that this may cause frustration and worry for residents. While this inspection work may seem slow and protracted, we must balance conducting a comprehensive and methodical assessment so that robust conclusions can be drawn.
A blue-grey coloured liquid can be seen leaving the site into the River Wyre - is this PFOA?
No. PFOA is not visible in this way.
The discharge comes from several companies in the area and drains a large area of land with a long history of manufacturing. We believe it is caused by salts forming due to the mixing of effluents and is not PFOA or PFAS. We hope to be able to update members of the public on this once further analysis is complete.
How can we find out more about this?
Wyre Council will keep the community updated during the process and also share the outcome of the investigation once it is complete.
The Council holds regular community drop-in sessions and a newsletter providing updates is available.
Residents can also join our mailing list to receive updates as soon as new information becomes available.Sign up here: Multi-agency sign-up
These information pages will also be updated regularly.
What do the sampling results from produce grown at allotments near to the Hillhouse site show?
The results of the latest phase of testing at Occupation Road Allotments - carried out in January 2025 - show that all soil samples contained concentrations of PFOA.
Similarly, PFOA was confirmed in most of the vegetables collected from the site.
It’s important to note that background levels of these chemicals already contribute to dietary exposure of PFAS. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) studies have revealed that various common food items contain certain PFAS, including PFOA.
Based on the limited results we have for produce from Occupation Road, there is the potential for some regular consumers of large proportions of vegetables from the allotments to exceed the EFSA Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) by up to 3-4 times, increasing to 7-8 times when taking into account background dietary levels. The TWI used by EFSA refers to the maximum amount of a contaminant in food that can be consumed weekly over a lifetime without risking adverse health effects.
It should be noted that a proportion of the UK population, as well as people in other countries, already exceed this TWI from their dietary intake of PFAS. In addition, a UK scientific committee, the Committee on Toxicity, has identified some reservations with this TWI and is currently conducting its own assessment of the health risks of PFAS.
However, the UK Food Standards Agency concludes that people who regularly eat large quantities of vegetables from Occupation Road allotments are likely to be increasing their exposure to PFOA. Modest or occasional consumption is unlikely to result in a significant increase above background exposure.
Why is this taking so long?
An investigation carried under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 is a complex legal process. These investigations are based on evidence and usually move forward in steps, with each stage adding to the findings of the previous one. This organised method provides a deeper scientific understanding of the issue over time.
The offsite part of this investigation is progressing as quickly as possible to reduce the impact on the local community. Currently, the third phase of soil sampling is underway.
The onsite part of the investigation is being conducted by AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd. The first phase of sampling has begun.
Will I be able to sell my house?
It is important to stress that the investigation exists to consider whether historic contamination has occurred. No contamination has yet been confirmed.
There are therefore no restrictions on the sale or purchase of any property as a result of this issue, nor in relation to land searches requested as part of a property sale or purchase.
Will land developed within the vicinity of the Hillhouse site have been investigated / remediated for PFOA?
Land contamination and the potential for it is a material planning consideration. Therefore, since the introduction of relevant legislation in 2000, the council has ensured that where the history of a site suggests the potential for contamination, an investigation is undertaken, including remediation of the site where necessary.
Whilst such investigations will have taken place (where relevant) for new development within the vicinity of Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone, until recently there has been no reason to consider that PFOA could potentially be present on any land.
Therefore, any physical investigation undertaken in support of a planning application will not have included consideration to PFOA.
Why is further sampling required? If PFOA is found to be above the guideline, is this unsafe?
Initial sampling found PFAS compounds, mainly PFOA, in soil above the C4SL guideline level. These levels only suggest a potential risk, so more sampling or detailed assessment is needed to fully understand any health risks.
Screening levels like C4SLs are set using a precautionary approach due to limited evidence on safe exposure levels. If PFOA in soil is below the interim screening level, typical land use should not pose a health risk. If levels are higher, further investigation is needed to assess the actual risk.
Is there an acceptable or safe level of PFOA for soil?
The results of the Phase I sampling programme simply confirm the presence of PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) in shallow soils. In some cases, PFOA levels exceed interim screening levels for certain types of land use – specifically where vegetables are grown for private consumption. These screening levels vary between land use types because people use land differently, affecting their exposure to soil contamination.
While elevated concentrations are not necessarily a concern, these results do highlight the need for more detailed testing to enable a thorough, scientific risk assessment to be carried out.
At present it is not clear what, if any, public health risk there may be around the site - but this is something we must find out more about. As more data is gathered, the relevant agencies will work together to develop any further guidance as required and we will update members of the community as we know more.
If I eat or have eaten produce grown at the allotments or in gardens nearby, will this harm my health?
Everyone is exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including PFOA, via their diet. Based on current information, people who regularly eat large amounts of vegetables and fruits grown in the allotments or in gardens could be increasing their exposure to PFAS, while occasional or modest intakes are unlikely to greatly affect long-term background intakes.
Various contaminants can be present in soil. The Food Standards Agency advises washing fruit and vegetables with water before consuming to remove soil and dust, as well as for general hygiene reasons such as removing harmful bacteria. Peeling vegetables can also remove more soil and bacteria.
How do you assess the risk to health from the level of contamination in soil?
For this investigation, authorities are using recently published soil guidelines, known as the CL:AIRE Interim Category 4 Screening Levels (C4SL). They apply to four separate PFAS, including PFOA.
C4SL are an indicator of the level of a substance in soil. Readings below the C4SL for a particular land use are considered to have a low or minimal risk to public health from long-term exposure. C4SL consider a reasonable worst-case scenario based on the activities of most site users. They take into account the most important and common exposure pathways such as inhalation of dust and vapours, and consumption of homegrown produce.
Exceeding a C4SL does not mean that there is always a health concern or that a site will be legally determined as contaminated land under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Instead, if C4SLs are exceeded, they are a trigger for further investigation and assessment. For example, on an allotment site, soil exceedances may trigger the collecting and analysis of vegetable samples, or more detailed sampling of the soil used to grow plants.
Typical exposures are usually based on average levels found in a garden or similar site area. In some cases, levels of PFOA found in soil samples taken during the Phase I sampling programme in Thornton-Cleveleys do exceed interim screening levels for certain types of land use – specifically where vegetables are grown for private consumption. Further, more detailed sampling is now taking place near to the Hillhouse site at locations in areas where preliminary investigations suggest that the C4SL may be exceeded.
You can find further information on the interim C4SL for PFAS and the specific levels established for PFOA according to land-use in the guidance document in the Category 4 Screening Levels document.
Is my drinking water safe?
United Utilities are the water company responsible for drinking water in the Thornton-Cleveleys area. The water they supply comes from a mixture of upland reservoirs, groundwater, and rivers.
Tap water supplies in the North West are continuously monitored and regular testing is a legislative requirement. The water company is required to test at every stage from the source to the tap.
Treatment of the raw water is necessary to ensure the provision of the highest quality drinking water.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), an independent regulator set up in 1990, oversees water companies to ensure the drinking water they supply meets strict quality standards based on World Health Organisation (WHO) and national guidelines. Water authorities are required to provide the DWI with samples of their drinking water, which are regularly tested by the DWI in its independent laboratories.
In August 2024, the DWI published updated guidance for PFAS in drinking water requiring water companies in England and Wales to monitor for a wider range of PFAS. Recognising the potential for longer-term accumulation of some PFAS in the human body, the DWI has set guidance levels for PFAS that provide a precautionary margin of safety. These drinking water levels are under constant review in advance of further international research results on PFAS toxicology. Water companies are required to comply with this guidance, and where necessary take specific actions such as additional treatment and/or blending with other sources to reduce PFAS prior to supply.
Thornton Cleveleys receives its water supply from three treatment works located across Lancashire. In line with industry standards, PFAS monitoring is carried out at both the source and treatment facilities to ensure the water delivered to households meets quality requirements. Recent testing confirms that PFAS levels at these sites remain below Tier 1 - the lowest threshold set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate - indicating concentrations are under 0.01 micrograms per litre.
The ultimate priority is to ensure that the water coming out of the tap is safe, wholesome, and of the highest possible quality.
What is human biomonitoring?
Human biomonitoring is a way of measuring chemicals in the body by testing samples such as blood or urine. For substances like PFAS that are widespread in the environment, test results reflect exposure from many different sources, including food, drinking water, air and everyday products. Thus, most people in the UK are likely to have measurable levels of PFAS in the blood, but it is not possible to tell where the exposure came from. PFAS blood testing also cannot be used to predict future health problems. For these reasons, PFAS biomonitoring is not currently recommended through the NHS or private blood tests. At this time, such tests are unlikely to provide clear information for individuals and can sometimes create unnecessary worry.
Is there any public health risk?
At present it is not clear what, if any, public health risk there may be around the site.
Public health advice for people living around or on potential contaminated land sites is aimed at reducing contact with the soil by taking sensible measures.
Visit the contaminated land in residential settings factsheet
Local residents should:
- continue to enjoy using your garden space as you normally would
- follow normal hygiene precautions and wash hands thoroughly after working or playing in the garden or allotment, especially when in contact with soil and before handling food, drink
- wash and peel any produce grown in the soil in order to remove any soil or dust
As more data is gathered from the site, the relevant agencies will work together to develop any further guidance as required.
We will update members of the community as we know more.
Will samples be taken outside of the Hillhouse site?
Sampling locations outside of the Hillhouse site have been determined by the Environment Agency. The intention is for this sampling to take place in a phased manner, commencing on land within close proximity to the site with the potential for it to move out to surrounding areas depending on if contaminants are identified in the first stages of investigation. This may mean areas of land which aren’t included in the first phase of investigation are tested later.