Regulators Overlook Toxic PFAS Emissions Near Lancashire Plant

Regulators monitoring hazardous chemicals near a Lancashire facility are failing to test for a substance linked to potential reproductive toxicity. This oversight comes despite evidence that the chemical, identified as EEA-NH4, is being emitted in large amounts from the AGC Chemicals plant. Recent independent sampling has detected EEA-NH4 in soils surrounding the factory, raising concerns about its impact on local residents and the environment.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to breakdown. They are used in various consumer products, firefighting foams, and industrial applications. Scientific research has connected certain PFAS compounds to serious health risks, including cancer and hormonal disruptions.

The AGC Chemicals site has come under scrutiny following reports indicating elevated levels of PFOA, a banned carcinogenic PFAS, being discharged into the nearby River Wyre. Local residents have been advised against consuming homegrown food, as PFOA has been found in vegetables. The ongoing investigation by the Environment Agency has confirmed the presence of various PFAS, including PFOA, but has notably excluded EEA-NH4 from its testing protocols.

Ongoing Investigation and Health Risks

According to a report by the Environment Agency, approximately 800 kg of EEA-NH4 is estimated to be emitted into the River Wyre annually. This chemical is classified as “very persistent” and “mobile” in the environment, with a classification of “reprotoxic category 2,” meaning it could adversely affect fertility and child development.

Dr. David Megson, a forensic scientist and PFAS expert, expressed concern over the regulatory gap, stating, “Our results showed that in addition to PFOA, the soil surrounding the site consistently contains EEA-NH4 and hydrogen-substituted carboxylic acids (H-PFCAs). Less is known about them, but studies are indicating similar toxicity.” He emphasized that failing to consider EEA-NH4 in health risk assessments is likely to obscure the true dangers posed by PFAS in the area.

The Environment Agency has stated that it can only analyze PFAS for which established testing standards exist, claiming that no such standard is currently available for EEA-NH4. Nonetheless, Dr. Megson criticized this limitation, arguing that it fails to account for known emissions from the AGC facility.

Calls for Stricter Monitoring

Prof. Hans Peter Arp, an expert in PFAS at the Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology, highlighted the global nature of this problem. He noted, “Considering all we know about PFAS—their persistence, costly clean-up, and emerging hazards—it is shocking that there is so little oversight of emissions from production factories.” He advocates for improved monitoring of all PFAS compounds to hold polluters accountable and facilitate a transition towards zero emissions.

Crispin Halsall, a professor of environmental organic chemistry at Lancaster University, echoed these sentiments, urging the Environment Agency to broaden its testing scope to include EEA-NH4 and other related compounds. He suggested that incorporating these substances into current testing practices would significantly alter risk assessments and likely reveal higher risks associated with PFAS exposure.

In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd emphasized the company’s commitment to environmental standards and community health. They pointed out that while the investigation currently focuses on PFOA emissions, AGC has proactively commissioned a third-party assessment covering both current and historical chemical use. The findings from this assessment are expected to be shared with local authorities in early 2024.

The Environment Agency confirmed its collaboration with AGC to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. They noted that, at the request of the Wyre Council, the agency is investigating the site and surrounding land for historical contamination unrelated to current operations. A spokesperson indicated that there is currently no strong evidence suggesting widespread EEA-NH4 contamination in the area.

As monitoring continues, local residents remain vigilant about potential health impacts from the chemicals emitted by the AGC facility, underscoring the need for comprehensive assessments and appropriate regulatory measures to safeguard public health and the environment.