Bentham: the most PFAS polluted town in the UK
Residents of Bentham, North Yorkshire, are concerned about the high levels of PFAS in their drinking water
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a wide range of products, including non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam. They have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and immune system dysfunction.
The Environment Agency has been monitoring the levels of PFAS in Bentham's drinking water since 2019. In 2022, the agency found that the levels of PFAS in Bentham's water were the highest in the UK.
The news has caused concern among residents, who are worried about the potential health risks. Some residents have already started to use bottled water, while others are considering moving away from Bentham.
The Environment Agency is working to reduce the levels of PFAS in Bentham's drinking water
The Environment Agency is working with Yorkshire Water to reduce the levels of PFAS in Bentham's drinking water. The agency has installed a new filtration system at the water treatment plant, which is expected to reduce the levels of PFAS by 90%.
The Environment Agency is also working to identify the source of the PFAS contamination. The agency believes that the contamination is coming from a nearby military base, which used PFAS-containing firefighting foam for decades.
Residents of Bentham are concerned about the health risks of PFAS
Residents of Bentham are concerned about the potential health risks of PFAS. PFAS have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and immune system dysfunction.
The Environment Agency is working to reduce the levels of PFAS in Bentham's drinking water, but it is important for residents to be aware of the potential health risks and to take steps to protect themselves.
What can residents of Bentham do to protect themselves from the health risks of PFAS?
- Use bottled water for drinking and cooking.
- Avoid eating fish from Bentham Beck.
- Get your blood tested for PFAS.
- Contact your doctor if you have any health concerns.
More information about PFAS
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a wide range of products, including non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam.
PFAS are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body. They have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and immune system dysfunction.
The Environment Agency is working to reduce the levels of PFAS in the environment. The agency is also working to identify the sources of PFAS contamination and to develop new ways to remove PFAS from the environment.
