PFAS Blood Tests Reveal High Chemical Levels Among Manchester Residents

Forty-nine residents have received the results of independent blood tests for PFAS chemicals, with some recording levels described as significantly higher than those expected in the general population.

Residents Request PFAS Testing

Residents had previously asked the council to test their blood for chemicals. However, the UK Health and Safety Executive says routine PFAS monitoring is not currently recommended because “testing is unlikely to provide unambiguous information for individuals”.

Independent testing was instead provided by Manchester Metropolitan University. Investigative journalists Watershed and Law for Change paid for and funded the environmental cases.

Forty-nine residents volunteered for the testing and were told their blood test results on Wednesday.

Residents React to High PFAS Results

Andrew Molloy was placed in the highest risk category.

“Half of the time I thought it was normal,” he said. “Because all the research here is focused on the fact that you’re only really at risk if you eat fruits and vegetables from your garden or grow your own eggs. I’m not.”

Andrew’s house was built on land that was once part of a factory. He underwent testing because of concerns about persistent health issues in his family.

“One of the first things I do is please contact my doctor and at least put it on my record. They seem to be refusing anything to do with this, but I now have solid information and data,” he said.

Mario Panteri was visibly shaken after receiving a result in the highest category, describing the experience as “very emotional and shocking”.

“We bought the property thinking this is our forever home. We have to prevent our children from going to the front or back garden. Now we feel cramped, like we’re in a cage,” he said.

Researcher Says PFAS Levels Were Higher Than Expected

Dr David Megson, who carried out the testing at Manchester Metropolitan University, said the results made him feel sick.

“To me, this shows that there is something seriously wrong with the local community. The levels were much higher than what we expected to see in the general population,” he said.