Scientists discover toxic 'forever chemicals' that can impact human FERTILITY in 98% of UK rivers
Researchers analysed samples from 32 rivers across the UK's four nations and found traces of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in 31 of them.
TFA is a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), a group of human-made chemicals used widely in consumer products that do not break down for thousands of years.
This particular 'forever chemical' is thought to damage fertility and child development, and some experts want it to be classed as toxic for reproduction.
For the study, scientists sampled five rivers in Wales, three in Northern Ireland, 13 in Scotland and 11 in the north of England.
They found 98 per cent contained traces of TFA, with the highest concentration recorded on the River Kelvin in Glasgow.
This concentration – 78,464ng (nanograms) per litre – is the second highest TFA river contamination ever recorded globally.
The only river not to contain traces of the chemical was the River Ness, which flows from Loch Ness to the Moray Firth.
'This molecule is everywhere,' Alistair Boxall, professor of Environmental Science at the University of York, told the BBC.
'We will all be drinking water containing TFA every day – so we'll be exposed throughout our lifetime.
'It's that long-term, low level exposure that is the big concern.'
Recent studies in the EU have found TFA to be widespread. It has been detected in wine and food, human blood and breast milk.
In the last two decades TFA levels in drinking water in Germany have increased fourfold, and experts are trying to establish what impact it might have on human health.
Authorities there have applied to the European Chemicals Agency for TFA to be classified as toxic for reproduction and harmful to the environment.
They cited studies that showed TFA affects rabbit and rat foetuses.
If approved, the classification could lead to recommendations about how products containing TFA should be controlled.
Dangerous PFAS can enter our bloodstream
Known as 'forever chemicals', PFAS are manmade and used in non-stick water-proof products and firefighting foams.
They are ubiquitous, appearing in everything from cosmetics to clothing to products that scrub away grease and oil.
Due to their abundance, PFAS chemicals can contaminate drinking water and cause health problems when consumed by humans.
According to the US's Endocrine Society, PFAS chemicals affect our biology by mimicking fatty acids – the building blocks of fat in our bodies.
They also act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) due to their ability to interfere with hormone systems.
Germany currently holds the record for the highest TFA concentration ever recorded, with a sample from the Neckar River measuring 140,000ng per litre in 2016.
TFA is currently found in a wide range of products including cereal, bread, pasta, some personal care products and cleaning products.
It is also found in pesticides and in certain refrigerants used in air conditioners.
Experts warned TFA is persistent, with no viable way to remove it from the environment, and that concentrations are expected to increase.
The study, which was funded by environmental charity Fidra, concludes: 'The widespread detection of TFA in UK water samples provides compelling evidence of the presence of TFA and PFAS in UK waterways.
'These data should be further analysed to try and establish the drivers of TFA contamination in UK surface waters and routes for source control should be prioritised.'
The team added: 'We urgently need a PFAS restriction to prevent further contamination of forever chemicals.'
Currently there are no rules or regulations in place to identify or reduce the concentrations of TFA either in the environment or in drinking water supplies in the UK.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), which monitors and regulates drinking water quality in England and Wales, has just commissioned its own research.
'The information signposted by the University of York suggests that TFA can be formed from the degradation of PFAS-containing pesticides,' Ann Bunting, Principal Inspector at the DWI, said.
'It is important that the fate of pesticides and other chemicals in the environment is understood, in order to protect drinking water sources.'
A spokesman for Water UK, which represents the UK's water companies, said: 'We want to see PFAS, including TFA, banned and the development of a national plan to remove it from the environment which should be paid for by manufacturers.'
The 31 rivers found to contain toxic 'forever chemicals'
Northern Ireland
River Bann
River Cusher
River Lagan
Scotland
River Dee
River Don
River Nith
River Tay
River Ythan
River Almond
River Kelvin
Kilmarnock Water
River Forth
River Helmsdale
River Thurso
River Wick
England
River Blyth
River Derwent (Northumberland)
River Tyne
River Wear
River Wansbeck
River Aire
River Calder
River Colne
River Foss
River Ouse
River Derwent (Yorkshire)
Wales
Cardiff Bay
Melingruffydd stream
River Ogmore
Roath Park Brook
River Taff
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
24 minutes ago
- The Independent
‘Failings' in care of ex-cricketer Graham Thorpe in months before he died, coroner says
There were 'failings' in the provision of care to former England cricketer Graham Thorpe in the months before he died, a coroner has said. Speaking at the inquest into Mr Thorpe's death, Jonathan Stevens then recorded a conclusion of suicide. Mr Thorpe was not perceived to be in a 'crisis situation' by healthcare professionals after they were told he had been asking his wife 'for help to end his life' weeks before he died, an inquest heard. The 55-year-old died on the morning of 4 August 2024 after being struck by a train at a railway station in Surrey. His widow, Amanda Thorpe, said he had taken his own life. An inquest at Surrey Coroner's Court in Woking heard he had 'spiralled into depression' after losing his job as a batting coach in 2022, and he had tried to take his own life on another occasion. After missing an appointment with the community mental health team on June 28 2024, care co-ordinator Katie Johnson spoke to Mr Thorpe's wife on the phone who told her he was 'constantly asking for help to end his life', the court heard. Ms Johnson then spoke to Mr Thorpe who told her he 'hadn't been out for a while' and 'didn't see the point of being here' but had no immediate plans to act on suicidal thoughts, the inquest heard. An investigation was carried out by Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust after his death, which details a number of findings and recommendations. Dr Shriti Burgul, a consultant psychiatrist who reviewed the investigation's report before it was finalised, told the court on Friday that one of the findings was that 'it was noted that Graham's presentation at his appointment on 28 June 2024 was in keeping with previous presentations and not perceived by the team as a crisis situation'. Given the conversation was over the phone, the psychiatrist was asked if it would have been appropriate to arrange to see Mr Thorpe very quickly. She said: 'In the wisdom of hindsight, then yes, a home visit would have been clinically indicated,' adding: 'I think the team's view at that point was this was part of his chronic presentation.' Dr Burgul was asked if arranging an appointment for two weeks was an appropriate response and she said in the absence of Mr Thorpe expressing 'active intent' or an 'active plan', it would be appropriate to allow two weeks. She said Mr Thorpe was not at the level of requiring intervention from the home treatment team. The psychiatrist was asked if there was any evidence that if there had been an in-person assessment for Mr Thorpe, there would have been a different outcome, and she replied 'no'. The investigation noted that a letter from when Mr Thorpe was discharged from a private hospital in July 2022 said a neuropsychologist should be identified to provide further support, the inquest heard. This was never done by the private provider or the GP, and a risk panel advised it should be explored in June 2024, Dr Burgul said. Asked whether there was any neuropsychological impact that could have affected the cricketer's ability to engage in appointments, given he missed some, the psychiatrist said 'it's a possibility, yes'. Mr Thorpe's cause of death was recorded by a pathologist as multiple injuries, the coroner said. The inquest previously heard that while on tour in Australia, there was an 'incident involving a video that was taken that had adverse publicity'. Mr Thorpe shared a video with some friends which was leaked, and the incident was 'blown out of all proportion', leaving Mr Thorpe 'distraught', Ms Thorpe said. According to reports at the time, the video, filmed after a dismal Ashes series which England lost 4-0, showed Tasmanian police breaking up a drinking session involving both England and Australia players. Ms Thorpe described it as a 'horrible' time, and said the later termination of his employment with the England and Wales Cricket Board was a 'real shock to Graham', which was the 'start of the decline of his mental health'. Mr Thorpe was a mainstay in the England set-up for many years, first as a batter between 1993 and 2005 before spending 12 years in coaching roles. During a distinguished international career, he struck 16 Test hundreds for England, including a debut century against Australia at Trent Bridge in 1993, and represented his country 182 times in all formats. If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@ or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to to find a helpline near you.
BBC News
25 minutes ago
- BBC News
Warning over fake vodka containing harmful chemical
The public are being warned to stay alert when purchasing or consuming Glen's vodka after counterfeit bottles containing a harmful chemical were discovered. Food Standards Scotland (FSS) said it had found 35cl bottles, or a half bottle, disguised to look like genuine Glen's vodka. A chemical known as isopropyl was found in the illegally labelled vodka, seized by the agency, which can be dangerous if consumed. Vodka containing isopropyl will taste and smell "very different" in comparison to normal alcohol and will be very strong, the FSS have said. Symptoms of isopropyl alcohol poisoning include stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, sore head, confusion, slow breathing. In some severe cases, FSS have warned it could lead to a coma or death. Genuine Glen's vodka has a laser etched code imprinted on the back and base of the glass bottle. A legitimate product can also be identified by size, fill height and a bottle ID - FSS said these markings would not vary in position or Scotland reported last year that similar counterfeit bottles had been discovered by The Food Standards Agency (FSA).In a statement Food Standards Scotland said: "The scale of distribution of counterfeit product is still unknown."If you believe you may have consumed alcohol that has a strong smell and a very different taste to normal and are showing any of the symptoms described, please contact the NHS 24 on 111 immediately."If you have severe symptoms, call 999."
BBC News
25 minutes ago
- BBC News
Taunton GP who put bodily fluids in coffee struck off
A doctor who put his semen into a cup of coffee he made for a woman has been permanently struck off. Former Taunton GP Nicholas Chapman, 57, was found guilty in June 2023 of attempting to engage in sexual activity without consent. He was sentenced to a 12-month community order. Two years on, a medical tribunal panel has ruled he should be erased from the medical register. In a judgement published online, the tribunal panel said "reasonable" members of the public would find Chapman's conviction "deplorable", adding they would be "appalled" if he were not struck off. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal document detailed how Chapman had targeted a second woman – referred to only as Ms A – over a number of said he had shown her photos of naked women without her consent and suggested she should look for him on an unnamed dating app. The victim also said he had kissed her and, on a separate occasion, had pinched her bottom during a hug – allegations that Chapman denied. The tribunal panel ruled that these actions were "unwanted", constituted sexual harassment and created "a degrading environment" for the victim. During the 2023 trial at Gloucester Crown Court, the first woman, known to the tribunal as Ms B, described the coffee semen incident as "devious and cowardly". She said she hoped to move on but would "have to accept that the mental and emotional trauma I have suffered throughout this will always remain with me in some way". At the time, Chapman was made subject to a 10-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim and was placed on the sex offenders' list for five years. 'No evidence of apology' The medical tribunal heard evidence from a doctor who worked at the same practice as Chapman. The doctor said the impact of Chapman's actions on the reputation of the practice and trust in doctors was "still huge". "There continue to be comments inside and outside of the practice on a regular basis like, 'Oh we don't talk about Dr Chapman'," they added. "Some patients are put off coming to the practice and some have a mistrust of seeking help when they need it, or whether things would remain confidential," the doctor continued. Handing down their judgement, the tribunal panel said Chapman had shown a "lack of insight" about the impact of his actions. They highlighted that they had "received no evidence of apology, reflection, insight or remediation from Dr Chapman in respect of his conviction". While Chapman told the tribunal panel he accepted his conviction, he continued to maintain his innocence."Dr Chapman had undermined and breached the trust and confidence of patients and the public in the medical profession," the tribunal report said, adding he had brought the profession into "disrepute".
