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Fidra

@fidrango.bsky.social
545 followers 76 following 333 posts

Fidra is an environmental charity supporting sustainability & preventing pollution. We shine a light on environmental issues through targeted projects to demonstrate positive change. www.fidra.org.uk SCIO & Scottish charity SC043895 Photo Scott Currie

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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 1h
New research suggests #TFA could impair blood vessel development. Now considered the most abundant #PFAS in the environment, TFA is attracting increasing concern. Earlier this year, Europe proposed to classify TFA as toxic to reproductive health🔽 cen.acs.org/environment/...
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Coastal Communities Network Scotland @communitiesforseas.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
We’re at Parliament today as Annabel from our member group Caolas is giving evidence to the Rural Affairs Committee along with @mcsuk.bsky.social @fidrango.bsky.social @scotwildlife.bsky.social @open-seas.bsky.social Follow along for updates from the discussion 🌊
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
A new study finds long term exposure to rubber crumb reduces root growth, impairs photosynthesis & disrupts nitrogen fixation in plants🌱 Rubber crumb is made from ground up car tyres & is used on artificial sports pitches🛞 Fidra are calling for restriction on rubber crumb in the UK 🔽 tr.ee/SjLoBC
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
High levels of #PFAS found in residents' blood near chemical manufacturing plant in Thornton-Cleveleys. PFAS pollution is harming ecosystems and people's lives. We're calling on the UK Government to phase out all non-essentials uses of these #ForeverChemicals. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Blood tests find high levels of cancer-causing forever chemical in residents near factory
People living near a major chemical factory in Lancashire are told they could be at risk of serious health conditions.
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
🚨 What are the economic risks of spreading contaminated sewage sludge on farmland? New research by eftec reveals that future sludge management policy must consider long-term protection of our soils. ⬇️Learn more Report: fidra.org.uk/download/eft... Blog: fidra.org.uk/news/eftec-r...
fidra.org.uk
New eftec research: Economic risk of contaminated biosolid applications - Fidra
This research compares the economic implications of spreading treated sewage sludge (biosolids) on UK farmland with four alternative treatment routes, focusing on microplastics, PFAS and pharmaceutica...
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Grass football pitches are a valuable habitat for wildlife ⚽🦋🐦‍⬛ Our latest guest blog features Dr William Titley's project The Curlew Way, which uses art, community engagement & environmental action to shine a light on the importance of local green spaces. Read more🔽 fidra.org.uk/plastic-poll...
fidra.org.uk
Defending our Natural Heritage Through Art - Fidra
Dr William Titley, Senior Lecturer in MA Fine Art at the University of Lancashire, works at the intersection of art, community engagement and environmental action. In this guest blog, he shares insigh...
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
🧪 #Chemical transparency and traceability are crucial for a safe circular economy. Digital product records should enforce chemical information sharing across product life cycles & improve consumer’s ‘right to know’ about potentially harmful chemicals in products - Read our response ➡️ tr.ee/vSvw8u
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
It was a pleasure to present our research on #TFA in UK surface waters at the Environmental Services & Solutions Expo. A key highlight was hearing Toby Perkins MP discuss the findings of the Environmental Audit Committee’s recent #PFAS inquiry & the need for stronger UK action.
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Top #PFAS manufacturers plan to increase production in order to meet demand from the AI industry. PFAS can be used for data centre cooling & in semiconductors. Rising production undermines emerging regulatory efforts aimed at restricting PFAS 🔽 www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘Tidal wave’ of Pfas being launched to satisfy AI industry, campaigners warn
Big manufacturers planning to produce more of the forever chemicals to meet demand from datacentres
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
#PFOS levels hit 13× the legal limit in pilot tests of Thames Water’s drought scheme. The scheme would take water from the Thames during droughts & replace it with treated sewage effluent. Standard wastewater treatment doesn’t remove #PFAS. We need source control on #foreverchemicals tr.ee/ssHFTX
theguardian.com
‘Forever chemicals’ surge during pilot of Thames Water plan to combat drought
Exclusive: utility company wants to draw off tens of millions of litres of water a day from Thames and replace it with treated effluent
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
What a great session at todays #WildSummit 🌿 Thank you to everyone who came along and engaged in interesting discussions on chemicals in the wild. Email info@fidra.org.uk to stay in touch and check out our resources on the below webpage ⬇️ fidra.org.uk/chemical-pol...
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Microplastics are building up in UK soils, threatening soil health & food. UK soils are among the most contaminated in Europe. Intentionally added microplastics are an avoidable source of pollution & the EU has already taken action to restrict them. It's time for the UK to do the same🔽 tr.ee/JuI3fD
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Rising microplastics in soil a threat to UK food security, MPs and campaigners say
Report calls for legally binding targets to cut microplastic pollution as soil ‘is a complex living ecosystem’
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
We are heading to the Wild Summit next week! ♻️ 🌿 Join us, @chemtrust.bsky.social, and @theriverstrust.bsky.social at our 'Chemicals in the Wild' session in the Cellars from 13:30 - 14:15 on Wednesday the 9th of September. Sign up for tickets here 👉 www.wcl.org.uk/wildsummituk...
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
🌍#TheGreatGlobalNurdleHunt has begun!🌍 Take part over the next 30 days and join #nurdle hunters across the world, gathering important evidence of nurdle pollution and call for change! Learn how to take part here 👉 www.nurdlehunt.org.uk/take-part/th...
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CHEM Trust @chemtrust.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
🚂 Next week, CHEM Trust is heading to the Wild Summit in Bristol! Join us, @fidrango.bsky.social and @theriverstrust.bsky.social for our joint event, ‘Chemicals in the Wild’, exploring the ins and outs of chemical pollution in the UK. Sign up for tickets here 👉 buff.ly/7rkCKJ6
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
A new report published by MPs is calling for stronger UK action on #microplastics The report warns that the UK's current fragmented approach won't tackle the scale of pollution. The MPs set out clear recommendations, including stronger regulation, reduction targets & better monitoring tr.ee/YnVWcK
fidra.org.uk
MPs call for stronger action to tackle microplastic pollution in the UK - Fidra
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Microplastics has published a new report calling for urgent action on microplastic pollution in the UK.
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
🔥 🧪 Ireland has taken a major step in reducing flame retardant use in furniture through aligning with EU General Product Safety Regulation This modernisation of Ireland's furniture fire safety framework comes as the UK considers updates to its own outdated regulations ➡️ fidra.org.uk/news/ireland...
fidra.org.uk
Ireland’s furniture safety requirements align with the rest of the EU to reduce reliance on flame retardants - Fidra
Ireland has taken a major step towards protecting its public and the environment from exposure to harmful chemical  flame retardants (CFRs)
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Recent heatwaves have highlighted the importance of keeping urban spaces cool. Did you know - artificial grass can reach significantly higher temperatures than natural grass? Natural grass help regulate temperatures, support wildlife, & absorb rainwater when extreme weather hits🌱🐝🔽 tr.ee/CZitNI
plymouth.ac.uk
Why are artificial lawns bad for the environment?
Why are artificial lawns bad for the environment? Discover why artificial grass is growing in popularity as an alternative to real lawns and why this is...
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CHEM Trust @chemtrust.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
🗓️ CHEM Trust will be at #WildSummit2026, and we’re partnering with @fidrango.bsky.social and @theriverstrust.bsky.social for a joint event on ‘Chemicals in the Wild’. Join us to discuss the causes and impacts of chemical pollution, and the solutions at hand. Get your tickets here👉 buff.ly/7rkCKJ6
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Wildlife and Countryside Link @wclnews.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
🚨 We must tackle “forever chemicals” now before history repeats itself. Michael Sheen’s new documentary ‘Buried’ released today, shines a light on Wales’ long-buried PCB pollution scandal.
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
🌊 Join our webinar to learn how to take part in the Great Global Nurdle Hunt 2026 & use evidence to push for action to prevent #nurdle pollution We'll also hear about the inspiring response from communities across NE England dealing with the ongoing impacts of the nurdle spill Register👉 tr.ee/7WmoFc
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
⚠️ Every surface water body in England has failed to meet 'good' chemical status, AGAIN. Many chemicals, such as PFAS and flame retardants, don't break down; they build up in our rivers and lakes for decades. 💧 More info: www.theguardian.com/environment/... Our webpage: fidra.org.uk/water-policy/
theguardian.com
All bodies of water in England polluted with toxic chemicals, official data shows
Environment Agency assessments find just 14.3% of country’s surface waters in good ecological status
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Sweden has announced a ban on #PFAS in a range of consumer products, including clothing, footwear & cosmetics 💄 Sweden is now the third EU country, after France & Denmark, to take national action ahead of the EU wide restriction, helping to reduce PFAS emissions sooner. Read more ⬇️ tr.ee/GTV62A
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
The UK can prevent 40,611 tonnes of #microplastics from entering the environment over the next 20 years by restricting intentionally added microplastics, including artificial sports pitch infill. The EU has already acted. Read our new policy briefing calling for ambitious UK action 👇 tr.ee/fe1yRc
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
The Irish government has announced the modernisation of its furniture product safety framework
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
The European Food Safety Authority is lowering the acceptable daily intake for #TFA in people's diets. This update is based on new evidence showing that TFA can affect the body’s hormone system We need source control on all #PFAS to meaningfully reduce exposure🔽 tr.ee/YMm5Cs
efsa.europa.eu
EFSA lowers safe level for exposure to TFA
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reduced the safe level of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in the diet based on new scientific evidence. TFA is a breakdown product of some pesticides.
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Did you know? Artificial sports pitches are contributing to #microplastic pollution⚽ Rubber crumb infill, made from old tyres, can escape into the environment & pollute soils & waterways💧 The EU has already banned this material. It’s time for the UK to act too. Find out more▶️ tr.ee/cREChd
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
A study has found a potential link between #PFAS & PMOS Mothers with higher PFAS levels during pregnancy were more likely to have a daughter who developed PMOS PFAS continue to be linked to health concerns. We need action to restrict #foreverchemicals 🔽 www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
New research links prenatal exposure to Pfas to later development of PMOS
Study suggests exposure to ‘forever chemicals’ may be a main driver of disease, formerly called PCOS, authors say
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
🚨 A new study investigating rivers across 31 countries in Europe found widespread contamination🌊 61% of sites exceeded regulatory environmental quality standards for #PFAS Source control measures that minimise PFAS inputs to the environment need to be prioritised by governments 🔽 tr.ee/HWiLca
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
A #PFAS factory in Lancashire has announced it will close. The factory used to make #PFOA, a now banned PFAS. Local residents impacted by PFAS contamination in the area recently expressed interest in pursuing a potential legal claim over contamination 🔽 tr.ee/Ukn9bf
theguardian.com
Lancashire chemicals factory facing potential legal claim announces closure
More than 90 residents have expressed interest in contamination claim against AGC Chemicals Europe
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
The Government has responded to Parliament's inquiry into PFAS, but doesn't commit to the stronger source control measures needed to put an end to PFAS pollution. Read our latest blog 👇 pfasfree.org.uk/news/uk-gove...
pfasfree.org.uk
UK Government response to PFAS inquiry fails to demonstrate the urgency required - PFAS
The UK Government makes no new commitments to phase out PFAS in it’s response to the Environmental Audit Committee.
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has found widespread #PFAS pollution in Scotland's water sources💧 Fidra & the University of York also found Scottish rivers to be polluted with #TFA 🌊 The UK must introduce broad restrictions on PFAS use to reduce #foreverchemical pollution🔽 tr.ee/rjbIPI
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
As the World Cup enters its final weeks, we're kicking off our new project highlighting microplastic pollution from artificial pitches⚽ #Microplastic infills from pitches are one of the largest sources of UK intentionally added microplastic pollution🥅 Find out more🔽 fidra.org.uk/microplastic...
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
We're joining @chemtrust.bsky.social and @theriverstrust.bsky.social at The Wild Summit to talk chemicals in the wild! 🐟 Chemical pollution is an overlooked crisis. Come and explore with us the connections between chemicals, industry, and ecological harm. 👇 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-wild-s...
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
The Environmental Audit Committee called for rapid PFAS restrictions, UK REACH reform, and making polluters pay for contamination. Today, the UK Government published its response 👇 committees.parliament.uk/committee/62...
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
🚨Save the Date!🚨 We are very excited to announce the #GreatGlobalNurdleHunt is back and will take place from the 4th September to 4th October 2026!🗓️ Stay tuned for resources to help you take part and join the call for an end to nurdle pollution🌍 Coming Soon! www.nurdlehunt.org.uk/news/save-th...
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
A new study published today reveals that even massive investments in #PFAS remediation across Europe would remove only a negligible fraction of #foreverchemicals 💸 The findings reinforce a clear message - the most effective way to tackle PFAS pollution is to stop it at the source ▶️ tr.ee/Sr5G7D
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
🔥🧪 The lack of transparency about chemical flame retardants used in furniture poses major challenges. Enforcing furniture product chemical labelling will protect the environment, support waste management and furniture circularity. Find out more in our recent report➡️ fidra.org.uk/download/cas...
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
A #PFASpesticide has been linked to impacts on brain development. Our latest report shows Fluazinam was applied to over a million hectares of UK arable crops from 2014-2024. Denmark has withdrawn it, but it remains approved in the UK & EU. Our report▶️ tr.ee/qOkcqe The article▶️ tr.ee/TaHHiL
theguardian.com
EU-approved pesticide found to have potential effects on brain development
New study on fluazinam’s neurotoxicity comes up with different findings from earlier report based on manufacturer’s data
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
New research shows #PFAS levels are increasing in whales & dolphins worldwide 📈 Pacific Ocean animals were most contaminated, with humpback dolphins showing the highest levels We must turn the tap off on #foreverchemicals to meaningfully reduce levels in the environment 🔽 tr.ee/pXA52z
theconversation.com
Levels of ‘forever chemicals’ in dolphins and whales are rising globally
Nowhere is safe from forever chemical pollution – not even the middle of the ocean. PFAS levels are on the rise in the world’s whales and dolphins.
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Our new report finds PFAS #pesticides are a major & overlooked source of #ForeverChemicals 🌱 The UK’s Environmental Audit Committee says current action on #PFAS isn’t enough. Pesticides are a key pathway into our food & environment. To tackle PFAS, we must tackle PFAS pesticides tr.ee/Vk9Y1t
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
🎥New Video Out Now 🔥🧪Chemical #flameretardants present major challenges for end of life management of upholstered furniture, while also impacting environmental and human health. Watch our latest video masterclass to learn more - Available now on the Fidra YouTube channel▶️ youtu.be/uGcp0T_dcwo?...
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WATERSHED Investigations @watershed-i.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Analysis by @fidrango.bsky.social finds the UK uses CFRs far more than many other countries, who have achieved similar improvements in fire safety without exposing people to similar levels of chemicals of concern. fidra.org.uk/sustainable-...
fidra.org.uk
Use of flame retardants and the dangers of increased fire smoke toxicity to UK firefighters’ health - Fidra
The use of certain chemical flame retardants in UK consumer products poses a danger to firefighters’ safety and long-term health.
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
🧪 For the first time since Brexit, the UK has added 15 substances to its SVHC list! However the EU has added 44 in this time... and we are calling on the UK to align with EU chemical regulations to close this gap and protect people and the environment. www.endsreport.com/article/1961...
endsreport.com
Flame retardants and carcinogens among first chemicals added to Great Britain’s ‘early warning’ list in six years
A number of carcinogenic and reprotoxic chemicals have been added to the UK’s ‘early warning’ list for chemicals in a regulatory first since the UK left the EU, including a flame retardant that a char...
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Our new report reveals widespread use of #PFAS pesticides across the UK & deepening divergence between UK & EU standards🪴 PFAS #pesticides are a significant source of #ForeverChemical pollution & must be included in a wide-reaching restriction on PFAS in the UK 🌱 pfasfree.org.uk/news/pfas-pe...
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
#Artificialpitches contain hundreds of chemicals, some linked to serious health conditions. They are also a source of #microplastics A recent California EPA study found there to be "negligible" health risks. However, some scientists have criticised this study's methodology. ▶️ tr.ee/baedZD
livescience.com
Artificial turf contains 400 chemicals tied to cancer and hormone disruption. But is it unsafe?
A recent, 10-year study from California identified many known or suspected carcinogens in artificial turf. Does it pose a danger?
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
A new legal case has been launched to challenge how the UK fast-tracks EU chemical safety decisions into law ⬇️ A clear commitment to align GB classifications with EU decisions as a default, including new hazard classes, alongside transparent reporting on divergence is urgently required. ⚠️
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
🔥 🧪 New California data confirms that furniture fire safety regulatory reform which reduced the use of chemical flame retardants, have not resulted in increased upholstered furniture related fire deaths. Showing effective, safe and sustainable fire safety is possible➡️ fidra.org.uk/news/califor...
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
📢 Scientists at the European Chemicals Agency have now concluded that trifluoroacetic acid (#TFA) is: - Toxic to reproduction - Persistent, mobile and toxic - Very persistent and very mobile Our research found TFA at 98% of river sites tested across the UK 🔗 👇 fidra.org.uk/download/con...
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Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
This #WorldOceansDay we highlight how #PFAS are impacting our seas🌊 Seafoam & seaspray can carry #PFAS hundreds of miles. Reaching remote places like Scotland's Fair Isle impacting drinking water. Greater ambition is needed from the UK government to tackle PFAS www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
It has the highest levels of toxic Pfas in drinking water in Scotland. But how did this remote island become awash with forever chemicals?
Scientists believe they may now have found the cause of Fair Isle’s pollution – and warn that it should be ringing alarm bells in other coastal areas
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