Residential properties in Thornton found to contain presence of chemical PFOA

Ongoing tests for potential chemical contamination in Thornton have now revealed the presence of cancer-linked chemical PFOA at some residential properties.

And although the majority of properties tested showed concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, at a level considered to require no further action, a small number may need further assessment to determine whether additional steps are necessary.

Further data has been received as part of the continuing investigation into historic contamination linked to Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone in Thornton.

It comes two years after a multi-agency investigation was launched in 2024 to examine potential historic contamination by the chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from part of the former ICI site, now operated by AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd.

The substance was used in manufacturing processes at the site and released into the air between the 1950s and 2012.

AGC Chemicals Europe, Ltd, says that while PFOA was used in its manufacturing processes, this was voluntarily phased out by 2012.”

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has now classified PFOA) as cancer-causing, or carcinogenic (Group 1).

However, land can only be designated as contaminated if, under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, a local authority determines it poses an unacceptable, significant risk to human health or the environment, based on a “source-pathway-receptor” linkage.

At this stage, no areas of land, in either public or private ownership, have been designated as contaminated under Part 2A of the Act.

The presence of PFOA at the residential properties follows futher investigations in autumn 2025, when specialists conducted a third phase of shallow soil sampling at properties located in proximity to the Hillhouse site.

The data is currently subject to expert risk assessment and interpretation by the Environment Agency. This will be shared as soon as it is available. Householders whose properties were sampled have been contacted individually and informed of their results.

A spokesperson for the multi-agency group involved in the investigation, said: “The investigation has now reached a challenging stage where we have gathered important data, but this information must undergo thorough scientific interpretation before we can answer the questions we know the community will have.

“We fully understand that residents are eager to know what the next steps will be.

“Throughout this process, we have made transparency with the community our priority and we will continue to share updates as soon as we receive further information.”

To ensure transparency and provide residents with the opportunity to speak directly to experts, a series of community drop-in sessions will be held in early March.

These sessions will give residents the chance to ask questions and learn more about the investigation.They will be held at Thornton-Cleveleys Football Club, Gamble Road, Thornton on Thursday, March 12 and Tuesday March 17 from 4pm to 7pm.