Silent Killer: Chemicals Poisoning Wales for Decades

Childhood exposure to industrial chemicals, particularly polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) allegedly dumped by Monsanto, is now linked to rare cancers in Wales. Whistleblower Douglas Gowan attempted to raise alarms about numerous contaminated sites, many in Wales, before his death. Actor Michael Sheen has continued his investigation, revealing in a new documentary how these 'godfather of forever chemicals' build up in the environment and human bodies.

The chemicals, once widely used for their stability, were banned globally from the 1970s. However, they persist in the environment, leaching into waterways. Michael Phillips, who played as a child near a lagoon in Ruabon, Wrexham, developed rare cancers, as have several friends who were exposed. Phillips' blood tests showed higher-than-average PCB levels, with Sheen also finding 81 types in his own blood despite no proximity to dump sites.

Monsanto's past actions in Anniston, Alabama, resulted in a significant lawsuit and $300m settlement. Internal documents showed awareness of PCB toxicity from 1949. Despite shutting down US operations due to legal risks, proposals to increase PCB production in Newport, UK, emerged. This occurred as the UK government placed no restrictions on importing PCBs, leading to hundreds of tonnes being imported.

Concerns remain about the scale of toxic sites in Wales, with over 9,000 potential locations identified in 2015. While some sites, like the Llwyneinion acid tar lagoon, were found not to meet legal remediation thresholds, activists call for a public inquiry. The Welsh government acknowledges the difficult legacy of industrial heritage and intends to develop a strategy to restore post-industrial land.