Residents near chemical factory told to wash and peel homegrown vegetables

Read the full article by Martin Stew (ITV News)

“A site of special scientific interest, the River Wyre, flows into Morecambe Bay – but what flows into the river itself?

On its banks sits a factory that has produced PFAs (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), so-called forever chemicals, since 1950. They’re complex compounds found in things like nonstick pans which are great at being waterproof and lubricating, but last thousands of years and some can damage our health.

One of them, called PFOA, was rated last year as a group 1 carcinogen – or in other words, it causes cancer in humans. It’s now banned in the UK.

Data shared with ITV News by Watershed Investigations shows that between 1950 and 2012 nearly 115 tonnes of the chemicals were released into the river, nearby landfill and air.”…