High Toxic Chemical Levels Detected in Yorkshire Town Residents
Blood testing in Bentham, North Yorkshire, has revealed elevated levels of PFAS chemicals in residents. The investigation linked local exposure to historic use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams at the Angus Fire factory.
Test results and analysis
Thirty-nine people participated in the blood testing. All lived within one kilometre of the factory or were current or former Angus Fire workers.
Analysis was carried out by Eurofins Environment Testing in Sacramento, California. Results were assessed against NASEM standards from the United States, because the UK has no official blood PFAS guidance.
- Two-thirds of those tested fell in the top 5% compared with the US general population, according to Dr David Megson.
- Nine of 39 people recorded PFAS levels above 20 nanograms per millilitre.
- One former worker had a level of 405 nanograms per millilitre.
Health thresholds cited
NASEM guidance links PFAS levels of 2–20 ng/ml with potential adverse effects. Levels above 20 ng/ml are associated with increased health risk.
Some PFAS compounds, including PFOA, are known or suspected carcinogens. PFOA has been connected to kidney and testicular cancers in prior studies.
Personal cases highlighted
Local residents described long-term anxiety about illness patterns in the town. Several respondents reported cancer among neighbours and family.
- Angela McKinnell recorded a blood PFAS level of 12 ng/ml. She has a kidney tumour.
- Rachel Harrison, a lifelong resident, had a level of 2 ng/ml. Her toddler recorded 10 ng/ml and her baby 13 ng/ml.
Site history and contamination discovery
Angus Fire manufactured and tested PFAS firefighting foams at its Bentham site for decades. Company records show on-site test fires and foam application.
In 2008, consultants commissioned by Angus Fire tested groundwater on the site. Documents later revealed those tests found the highest PFAS concentrations known in the UK.
The contamination only became widely known in 2024 after a year-long ENDS Report investigation led by Pippa Neill.
Company response and community reaction
Angus Fire says it stopped producing PFAS foams in 2024. The company also states it halted routine use of the foam in 2016.
Angus Fire has told residents it followed legal guidelines and carried out containment and remediation work since 2024. The company disputes that the small tested group proves harm.
The Angus Fire chief executive declined to be interviewed. The firm did not send a representative to a town meeting in June 2025. Company officials said they avoided attending to prevent overtaking the agenda.
Expert interpretation and next steps
Dr David Megson of Manchester Metropolitan University reviewed the blood data. He said the results were striking compared with background population data.
Residents and experts note that UK-wide baseline data are lacking. That gap complicates assessment of exposure across Yorkshire town residents.
Public health advice suggests people with levels above 20 ng/ml may need more frequent screenings. Local families are seeking clarity on health monitoring and remediation.
Public interest reporting
The findings were featured by the investigative programme Exposure and reported alongside the ENDS Report investigation. Filmogaz.com has published coverage summarising the testing and responses.
The story has focused attention on high toxic chemical levels in a rural community. Local pressure for further testing and official guidance is growing.
