Campaign against ‘forever chemicals’ is a focus currently for local residents as Bentham has been found to have the
the highest identified concentration of synthetic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the UK. It is believed this is due to Angus International Safety Group (Angus Fire), which previously produced firefighting foams containing PFAS at a factory near the town centre. The firm said it ceased production of any foam products at the site last March but recognised concerns about potential environmental impacts from historic operations.
The BBC News web site reported last November that in an update issued to the community, Angus Fire explained it was informed that its Class B foam used on flammable and combustible liquid fires “may have contained traces of PFOA”, a PFAS chemical, in 2016. The chemicals, which are used in several everyday items including non-stick frying pans, pizza boxes, cosmetics, waterproof clothing, and pharmaceuticals, are nicknamed ‘forever chemicals’ because they are difficult to break down in the environment.
In November community group ‘Cleaner Bentham’ instructed lawyers at Mishcon de Reya to bring legal action against the company. The group said it was also in the process of securing funds to carry out blood testing for residents to identify any medical issues caused by PFAS. The resident’s campaign was featured this month on Channel 4 News which also revealed that the Environment Agency was considering taking action against Angus Fire.
The company says that they always operated within industry standards. Meanwhile Bentham is believed to be the most known PFAS-polluted place in the UK.
You can read more about the £1.5tn cost of ‘forever chemicals here.