We live in UK’s new ‘Toxic Town’ where water is ‘riddled with poisonous chemicals’ – we’ve taken action to protect kids
TERRIFIED families living near a top RAF fighter base say they're afraid they're living in a new real life version of Netflix show Toxic Town.
The hit drama that gripped the nation has become a reality for residents near the site, who told The Sun their drinking water has been "contaminated with toxic chemicals".
RAF Marham in Norfolk is now under investigation after a damning report by pollution experts revealed the presence of potentially poisonous so-called “forever” chemicals that are resistant to treatment.
It's feared the chemicals, which can increase the risk of developing certain cancers and can cause fertility issues and liver damage, may have leached into the ground and contaminated nearby water sources.
The poisons are also known to cause permanent damage to the environment.
And many civilians who are housed on the estates in Marham, just a stone's throw away from the RAF base, say they are seriously worried about their health after the survey carried out by a water-protection group.
I won’t let my two young children drink water from a tap. A lot of families in the village are the same and won’t use tap water to drink or for cooking.
Michaela Musgrove-Smith
The study identified a group of synthetic chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are dubbed “forever” substances because they are very difficult to break down.
They are found in many substances, including firefighting foams like those used by the RAF at Marham for years, and some of the PFAS have now been banned from firefighting foam by the Government.
But many families living near the base are refusing to drink the "murky" tap water and even cook using bottled water out of fear that the chemicals have leached into the supply from the base.
'I won't let my kids drink water'
Michaela Musgrove-Smith, 27, who lives in Marham, said: "I won’t let my two young children drink water from a tap.
"A lot of families in the village are the same and won’t use tap water to drink or for cooking.
"We are so concerned that they even use bottled water when they clean their teeth.
“My three-year-old was having seizures until I stopped giving him tap water – and since then, he has been a lot better, as has everyone else in the family."
Some studies revealed that "forever chemicals" can lead to neurotoxicity - adverse effects on the structure of the body's nervous system.
While another, published in America's National Library of Medicine, has suggested that exposure to low levels of PFAS at an early age could be linked to ADHD symptoms.
Michaela added: “Anyone getting ill in the village suspects there is a problem with the tap water – Facebook is full of people who live here who are very worried.
“The water suppliers must investigate, and something must be done.
“We would like regular checks made and a reassurance that there is nothing toxic in the water that comes out of our taps.”
Residents of Marham are afraid that their town will become a new real life Toxic Town.
The hit drama was released in February and follows residents of Corby who, in the 80s and 90s, were exposed to toxic chemicals during the demolition of a steelworks in the town.
Toxic waste was driven from the demolition site through populated areas with airborne dust and sludge spilling from trucks, damaging locals' health.
Pregnant women were exposed to the chemicals, which were ruled to have caused deformities in their newborn children.
The case went to the High Court in 2009, where evidence was submitted by 18 families affected by Corby Council's mismanagement of the waste.
'Danger to health'
Marham local Rebecca Sharpe, 31, said: "We have lived here for five years and the drinking water is not good – it sometimes comes out murky.
"We pay £19 a month for water rates, but it is terrible. We always have bottled water in the house because we know that it is safe to drink.”
Katherine Saunders, 30, said: "Tap water round here is vile – they use it to give to children in the nursery but it is not nice to drink.
"There have been calls to use chemicals to clean it up, but as it was almost certainly chemicals that caused the problem in the first place, I don’t think that is a good idea.”
Kirsty Phillips, 37, who has lived in Marham for eight years, said: "Water from the tap just doesn’t taste right and it’s awful to think that it might be a danger to health.
“We have been here for eight years and found the water was metallic-tasting from the start.
"We bought two-litre bottles of water and are still not drinking tap water.”
Local MP Labour’s Terry Jermy said: "This may be a historic issue but it needs an immediate and thorough inquiry.
“If nothing is done to tackle these chemicals, the health, environment and economy of generations of families will suffer for years to come.”
Despite the concerns from locals, Anglian Water, which is responsible for detecting the chemicals in the public supply, claims that to date there have been no breaches.
But it is also urging the Government to ban the controversial chemicals.
A spokesman from Anglian Water said: "There is currently no ban on them being used in manufacturing processes – it cannot be eradicated by water treatment, but there have been no breaches in the standards of drinking water.”
'Firefighters used foam'
The local parish council acting clerk, Mike Inder, who by coincidence served in the RAF for almost 40 years and was stationed at Marham, saw for himself how crews tackled fires with water hoses.
He said: "We had Tornado aircraft up until six years ago when the F-35s arrived.
"Firefighting practice involved water and foam, which was said to contain a harmful chemical.
"But our drills always made sure that any pollution was contained and if any fuel was ever spilt, it would instantly have been cleaned up.”
The MoD is now working with the Environment Agency to determine if there is a threat to the residents of sleepy Marham.
A Government spokesman told The Sun: "There is no evidence that the current levels in the drinking water are unsafe.
"The MoD investigation is on-going and we are working with the Environment Agency.
“Our review will look at the risks posed by these substances and how best to tackle them in order to deliver out legally-binding targets to save nature.”
Effects of PFAS on the human body
PFAS, or "forever chemicals," are man-made substances that accumulate in the environment and our bodies, potentially causing health issues.
Found in everyday items like non-stick cookware and food packaging, they pose several concerns.
One major impact is on the immune system. PFAS can weaken the body's ability to fight infections and respond to vaccines, making individuals more susceptible to illness.
They can also disrupt hormone levels by interfering with the endocrine system, affecting growth, development, and reproduction.
Elevated cholesterol levels have also been linked to PFAS exposure, increasing the risk of heart disease. The liver, responsible for filtering toxins, can suffer damage, potentially raising the risk of liver cancer.
Furthermore, PFAS exposure is associated with specific cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer. Research suggests these chemicals contribute to their development.
Pregnant women face risks, as PFAS can cross the placenta, affecting the foetus's growth and potentially causing low birth weight and other infant health problems. Children are especially vulnerable due to their developing bodies, with PFAS exposure potentially disrupting their immune system, hormones, and overall development.
While ongoing research seeks to fully understand long-term effects, current evidence indicates PFAS can negatively impact human health.
Reducing exposure is crucial for public health. Efforts are underway to regulate PFAS and develop removal technologies, while individuals can minimise exposure by being mindful of product choices and water consumption.
The MoD has said that there is no evidence of PFAS in Marham's water supply, but the site was one of three locations being investigated.
Commenting on possible PFAS at other sites an MOD spokesperson said: “Ensuring the safety of our staff and personnel is our number one priority and that’s why we are complying with the relevant legislation and regulations.
"As understanding of these chemicals has changed, we have responded accordingly.
"For instance, we have prioritised a programme of investigation of our sites, which has been agreed with the Environment Agency.”
A spokesperson for the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk said: "This is an ongoing issue which we will continue to liaise with the lead agencies and provide further updates when additional information is available."
