Uncovering the UK’s ‘Forever Chemical’ Hotspots: Where Are the High-Risk Sites?

Permanently changing our environment, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS—often called “forever chemicals”—are over 10,000 man-made chemicals found in many everyday products. They resist breaking down, sticking around in the environment and our bodies for a long time. Some of these chemicals are harmful and connect to serious health issues like cancer, hormonal changes, immune problems, and developmental disorders.

A recent report found more than 10,000 places contaminated with PFAS, showing a pressing need for action. Here’s a look at some key pollution hotspots.

• Groundwater Pollution: Firefighting foams have contaminated groundwater in Bentham. Angus Fire may face legal challenges due to high PFAS levels detected here. They’ve stopped using PFAS products and are working with the Environment Agency to clean up the area.
• PFOA Contamination: High levels of PFOA have been found near AGC Chemicals in Thornton-Cleveleys, affecting local land and water. Initial reports suggest unsafe levels for vegetable consumption. While AGC phased out PFOA in 2012, they claim current contamination is from old sources, and monitoring is ongoing.
• Cambridge Water Issue: An aquifer in south Cambridgeshire, previously contaminated by firefighting foams from a former RAF base, was supplying over 1,000 homes. Errors and misinformation made the situation worse. Cambridge Water states that blending techniques ensured no contaminated water reached customers.
• Fire Training College: The Moreton-in-Marsh fire training college has high PFAS levels in its groundwater linked to firefighting foams. The area is recognized as a problem site, yet the college did not comment on the situation.
• RAF Bases: Tests at RAF Benson, Coningsby, and Waddington show dangerous PFAS levels in local waters. The Ministry of Defence is prioritizing site investigations to ensure public safety.
• Heathrow Airport: PFOS and PFOA levels in shallow groundwater around Heathrow have been linked to past firefighting foam use. The airport has taken steps since 2011 to monitor and stop using harmful foams, investing millions in pollution control.
• Sewage Treatment Plants: Wastewater treatment facilities are huge sources of PFAS due to both domestic and industrial waste. A study is underway to identify problem plants and develop solutions. The water industry is advocating for a ban on PFAS and holds polluters accountable for cleanup.
• Stowey Quarry Landfill: The Environment Agency flagged this area as a potential PFAS risk after a major illegal dumping incident. The operator received a two-year prison sentence for his actions.

PFAS can also come from airports, military bases, chemical factories, energy plants, agriculture, and various manufacturing sites. New research suggests that UK decontamination costs may hit £428 million yearly for the next two decades, escalating to nearly £10 billion if not controlled.

The Environment Agency is actively exploring the PFAS issue. Their multi-year program aims to understand the sources of contamination better. They regularly check for 47 different PFAS in water and are enhancing their testing capabilities to make progress on this critical environmental problem.