'Unstoppable "forever chemical" TFA present in nearly every UK river tested - except one. Unbelievable, yet true.'

'Forever chemical' discovered in all but one of tested UK rivers Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The River Ness in Scotland was the sole river of those sampled that did not exhibit traces of the "forever chemical" TFA. Jonah Fisher BBC environment correspondent Published16 June 2025 1188 Comments A chemical that scientists are concerned could impact human reproduction has been detected in rivers across the UK. Researchers from York University inspected samples from 32 rivers in all four nations of the UK and discovered traces of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) at 98% of the test locations. TFA is classified as a "forever chemical" due to its extremely slow breakdown in nature, leading to accumulation over time. Similar to other "forever chemicals", also known as PFAS, the extent of the threat to human health and at what concentrations it is concerning are still under investigation. However, scientists in Germany propose it to be classified as toxic for reproduction after studying its effects on animals. TFA is created when synthetic chemicals from other "forever chemicals" like those in pesticides and refrigerants are partially decomposed. "This molecule (TFA) is ubiquitous," remarked Alistair Boxall, professor of Environmental Science at the University of York. "We will all be consuming water containing TFA daily - thus, we will be exposed throughout our lives. It is the long-term, low level exposure that is worrisome." This new study, external was sponsored by environmental charity Fidra and involved sampling in five rivers in Wales, three in Northern Ireland, 14 in Scotland, and 10 in the north of England. The highest concentration was found in the River Kelvin in Glasgow. The River Ness, flowing from Loch Ness to the Moray Firth, was the only river tested that did not display traces of TFA. Recent studies in the EU have identified TFA to be widespread, including in wine, food, human blood, and breast milk. German authorities have been monitoring increasing TFA levels in drinking water with interest. Over the past two decades, its concentrations have quadrupled, prompting research to determine its potential impact on human health. Citing scientific research showing TFA affecting rabbit and rat foetuses, the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has applied to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for TFA to be classified as toxic for reproduction and harmful to the environment. This could lead to recommendations in the EU on managing products containing TFA. "The current information provided by the University of York indicates that TFA can be generated from the degradation of PFAS-containing pesticides," mentioned Ann Bunting, Principal Inspector of the Drinking Water Inspectorate in England and Wales. "Understanding the fate of pesticides and other chemicals in the environment is crucial to safeguard drinking water sources." While there are currently no regulations in place to identify or lessen TFA concentrations in the environment or drinking water supplies in the UK, the Drinking Water Inspectorate has initiated its own research to assess the existing levels of TFA in drinking water and any associated risks. A spokesperson for Water UK, representing the country's water companies, expressed the desire to see PFAS, including TFA, banned and the establishment of a national plan to eradicate it from the environment, funded by manufacturers. Warning over 'dirty secret' of toxic chemicals on farmers' fields Published 7 days ago 'Forever chemicals' limited in US tap water Published 10 April 2024 Toughen 'forever chemical' water rules - experts Published 18 October 2023 Sign up for our Future Earth newsletter to stay updated on the latest climate and environment stories with the BBC's Justin Rowlatt. Outside the UK? Sign up for our international newsletter here. pollution,rivers,water pollution,environment (Source: BBC)