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25 Sites Contaminated by Banned Cancer Chemical
14 Feb
Summary
- High levels of banned Pfos found at 25 sites in Cumbria and Lancashire.
- Groundwater at one site registered Pfos at 3,840ng/l.
- Potential sources include a paper mill and historical landfills.
High concentrations of the banned chemical Pfos, a type of 'forever chemical,' have been discovered in rivers and groundwater at 25 locations across Cumbria and Lancashire. These chemicals, known for their extreme persistence, have raised serious health concerns.
Watershed Investigations and The Guardian revealed the contamination through a freedom of information request. Groundwater at one site contained Pfos at 3,840ng/l, significantly exceeding drinking water guidelines.
This pollution impacts an area of outstanding natural beauty. A local business owner reported being unofficially informed of their well's contamination in November 2021 and received no aid from environmental agencies or local councils.
Environment Agency investigations in March 2025 identified a paper mill in Beetham, historical landfills, sewage treatment works, and fire stations as potential sources of the Pfos contamination.
The operator of the paper mill has stated that the new entity, Pelta Medical Papers, has not used Pfos-based chemicals since its acquisition in June 2025.
The government recently unveiled a Pfos action plan, proposing tighter controls and consultations on statutory limits, but environmental groups argue it lacks binding phase-outs and a clear timeline, falling short of EU proposals.
