New findings of elevated PFOA levels in Lancashire residents have reignited concerns over historic industrial pollution. But could evidence of chemical exposure translate into successful compensation claims, or will proving causation remain the biggest hurdle?
A report published in The British Medical Journal (The BMJ) on 29 September 2026 detailed the findings of blood tests commissioned by law firm Leigh Day, in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University and Watershed Investigation in respect of residents in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire.
The tests identified elevated perfluorooctanoic acid (“PFOA”) concentrations in residents living close to the Hillhouse Chemical factory, where the chemical was historically used in manufacturing processes.
The investigation involved 49 residents selected according to factors including their proximity to the industrial site, the length of time they had lived in the area and their consumption of locally grown produce.
The results, as reported by The BMJ, revealed:
69.4% of participants recorded PFOA concentrations exceeding 20 nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL), placing them in the high-risk category under the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine guidance used in the assessment.
The average PFOA concentration across participants was reported to be 26 ng/mL.
None of the participants recorded a concentration below 2 ng/mL, the threshold used for the low-risk category.
Higher average concentrations were observed among participants living within one kilometre of the Hillhouse site.
Among participants who ate homegrown fruit and vegetables, 72.7% were classified within the high-risk category.
PFOAs belongs to the wider group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAs”) - so called “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment and can remain in the human body for prolonged periods. PFOA has been classified as carcinogenic, and exposure has been associated with adverse health effects, including certain cancers.
The findings have brought renewed attention to the potential consequences of historic industrial pollution and will be of particular interest to those in the insurance market.
For potential claimants though, the distinction between evidence of exposure and legally actionable harm/causation will remain a hurdle.
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