health
In Our Blood: The Forever Chemicals Scandal review
This upsetting documentary goes to the town with the most terrifyingly high levels of Pfas in the UK, tests the locals and finds that nothing has been done to help them – and now it’s simply too late
TL;DR
- Forever chemicals (Pfas) have been in wide use since the 1930s, known for their resistance to breaking down.
- A documentary, 'In Our Blood: The Forever Chemicals Scandal,' focuses on Bentham, North Yorkshire, where the Angus Fire factory has led to the highest Pfas levels found in the UK.
- Groundwater on the Angus Fire site tested with the highest levels of Pfas ever seen in the UK.
- Testing of 39 Bentham residents revealed significant Pfas levels in their blood, with some readings indicating increased health risks.
- A former Angus Fire worker recorded an exceptionally high Pfas blood level of 405 ng/ml.
- American lawyers pursuing Pfas-related class action suits expressed alarm at the Bentham findings.
- Angus Fire stated the programme's study was a small sample and the company followed regulatory guidance.
- The film suggests a lack of swift action from British authorities and raises concerns about intergenerational exposure through breast milk and contaminated food sources.