'Forever chemical' found in dozens of UK rivers, study finds
A "forever chemical" that scientists worry might have an impact on reproduction has been found in all but one of 32 rivers tested across the UK, according to a study.
Researchers say trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), which can take hundreds of years to break down, was detected at 98% of the 54 sites they investigated.
According to the study, one sample - taken from the River Kelvin in Glasgow - contained the second-highest value of TFA ever recorded in surface water globally.
The researchers say the average concentrations of TFA in the UK are at the "higher end" of the global scale compared with the results obtained from other studies - and that the chemical has been found in 31 of the 32 rivers analysed.
The research - funded by environmental charity Fidra and carried out by the University of York - looked at how much TFA was present in surface water.
It marks the first time such a project has been carried out in the UK.
TFA is a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) - also known as "forever chemicals" - found in pesticides, pharmaceuticals and fluorinated gases (F-gases).
But there is "growing concern" about the general impact on human health and its potential risks to drinking water supplies.
According to Fidra, TFA is thought to have "low to moderate" toxicity; however, because levels are rapidly rising in the environment, there are concerns about future impacts.
Studies have linked TFA exposure to birth defects in rabbits, while similar short-chained PFAS have been shown to have toxic effects on freshwater organisms.
The German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has applied to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for TFA to be classified as toxic for reproduction.
However, its impacts are still being researched.
'Increasingly concerned'
Experts say the results of the latest study provide "compelling evidence of the presence of TFA and PFAS in UK waterways".
The researchers added: "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 scientific communities are becoming increasingly concerned about the potentially harmful properties of TFA and increasing levels in the environment, particularly in water sources.
"There are currently no practical or economically viable ways to remove TFA from water supplies.
"TFA was found in 31 of the 32 rivers examined."
Read more from Sky News:
Samples were taken from sites across northern England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Scientists say TFA has the potential to cause reproductive and liver issues in mammals and is harmful to aquatic life.
It also accumulates in crops and fields and "builds up" in drinking water.
The research comes as a committee of MPs said the UK's water sector is in need of "root-and-branch reform".
The cross-party Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) committee said the industry is "failing" - and trust and accountability in the sector was "very low".
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Pulsar Fusion Confirms Expansion to U.S. with New Texas Office, Signs MOU with Thales Alenia Space, Unveils UK's Largest Space Testing Facility, and Releases New Mission Video to Titan
Sunbird Thruster Image Thales Alenia Space (TAS)-Image Pulsar Fusion & Thales Alenia Space (TAS)-Image LONDON and AUSTIN, Texas, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pulsar Fusion, the UK-based fusion propulsion company behind the breakthrough Sunbird platform, today announced a series of major developments as it expands its global footprint, advances key partnerships, and showcases its vision for interplanetary travel. The company is opening a new U.S. office in Austin, Texas, positioning itself at the heart of the rapidly growing American space and innovation ecosystem. This strategic move supports Pulsar's increasing engagement with U.S.-based clients and investors. Pulsar UK has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Thales Alenia Space (TAS) in relation to Pulsar's 5kW MOONRANGER Hall-effect thrusters, which are being live test-fired. This signifies the latest indication of Pulsars broadening commercial appeal to Tier 1 aerospace primes. Meanwhile in Bletchley, England, Pulsar is preparing to pump down the first of its two newly built space-grade vacuum chambers, now officially the largest of their kind in the United Kingdom. These facilities will enable critical qualification and endurance testing for both Pulsar's Hall-effect thrusters and its next-generation Sunbird platform. As part of its public outreach and future mission planning, the company has also released its latest concept video, showcasing a Sunbird-powered mission to Saturn's moon Titan. The video illustrates how Pulsar's fusion systems could cut travel times dramatically, delivering critical payloads across the solar system faster and more efficiently than current propulsion methods allow. CEO Richard Dinan said: 'Nuclear fusion is the pinnacle of space propulsion technology. These reactors are uniquely suited for in-orbit use, and in many ways, it's more practical to use fusion for space propulsion than for energy on Earth. That said, we must pursue both and I believe we will ultimately succeed in both. The recent acceleration in AI capabilities is a true game-changer for fusion. These systems will help us manage ultra-hot plasmas with far greater precision, enabling reactors to become smaller, more intelligent, and vastly more practical. It's an incredibly exciting time to be building fusion systems' About Pulsar Fusion Ltd. Established in 2013 as Applied Fusion Systems, Pulsar Fusion develops hyper-fast space propulsion systems using nuclear fusion. Fusion offers the best alternative with sufficient exhaust speed and thrust to propel spacecraft beyond our solar system. In 2022 and 2023 Pulsar Fusion was awarded multiple funding rounds from the UK Space Agency to conduct research into nuclear electric propulsion and to expand their large HET development. Pulsar is creating an ecosystem of propulsion systems and services that advance the use of fusion as a near-limitless, clean energy source. For more information, visit Media Contact Danielle PerezFirecracker PRdanielle@ (888) 317-4687 ext. 705 A video accompanying this announcement is available athttps:// Photos accompanying this announcement are available athttps:// in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Medscape
2 hours ago
- Medscape
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Is Highly Preventable: Here's How
This transcript has been edited for clarity. This is Dr JoAnn Manson, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital. I'd like to talk with you about a recent report in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology that addressed the modifiable risk factors for sudden cardiac arrest, the extent to which this outcome is preventable, and the percentage of cases that could be averted by changes in modifiable risk factors. There's been surprisingly little research on this subject. Most of the research on sudden cardiac arrest has looked at genetic factors and clinical risk factors that are managed with pharmacologic agents, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes, and proximate risk factors like what the patient was doing shortly before the sudden cardiac arrest. However, there's been very little research on the role of behavioral and lifestyle factors in long-term studies. It's important to have this research because we know that sudden cardiac arrest is highly fatal in about 90% of cases. In the US alone, there are more than 200,000 cases per year, and more than double that if we include total cardiac arrest inside and outside of the hospital. In the present study, researchers leveraged the large-scale UK Biobank, which included more than 500,000 participants whose mean age was 56 years and about 50% of whom were women. Over a follow-up of 14 years, there were about 3100 cases of incident sudden cardiac arrest. The researchers looked at about 125 risk factors and linked 56 of those factors to the risk for sudden cardiac arrest. These included lifestyle, behavioral, adiposity, psychosocial, and environmental factors. What they found was that the American Heart Association Life's Essential 8 factors were generally strongly related to risk for sudden cardiac arrest. For example, sedentary lifestyle, higher adiposity, higher waist circumference, short sleep duration (less than 7 hours per night), and tobacco use were associated with an increased risk. Other factors that were also linked to sudden cardiac arrest risk included psychosocial factors (eg, depressive symptoms, low mood, social isolation), dietary factors (eg, low fruit and vegetable intake), and air pollution. The researchers used Mendelian randomization to evaluate the likelihood of a causal relationship. In these analyses, about nine factors were determined to be causally related. These factors included adiposity factors, low fruit intake, low educational level, and some of the mood-related factors. Overall, they estimated that between 40% and 63% of sudden cardiac arrest cases could be preventable by reducing or even fully eliminating these risk factors. These findings underscore the importance of primary prevention, not only to nonfatal or total coronary heart disease and cardiovascular events, but also to sudden cardiac arrest. These results suggest that more could be done in terms of informing our patients about these risk factors in order to lower their risk — both informing them in the clinic and through community-based and public health campaigns.
Tom's Guide
2 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper review: Body-contouring comfort for worn-out beds
Established in 2015, Panda London is a UK-based brand that uses the "magic of bamboo" to create natural, luxury sleep products, including mattresses and bedding. Its only bed topper is the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper, which is bamboo gel-infused and designed to deliver natural, contouring comfort and advanced support. But does it deliver — and is it deserving of a place in this year's best mattress toppers guide? To find out, I decided to use my month-long visit to see family as an opportunity to try out a twin-sized Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper. I put the bed topper on my childhood bed, a well-worn, innerspring mattress, to put the brand's claim that it can "transform" any mattress to the test. Here are my thoughts... The Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper is thick and luxurious enough to give any mattress a makeover, especially harder beds in need of some plushness. As the brand's only bed topper, it delivers Panda's trademark bamboo-infused comfort for under $300. As a side sleeper who needs contouring around my shoulders, I got along well with the body-hugging foam of the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper. Type: Memory foamDepth: 2" Cover: Bamboo, Polyester Corner straps: YesTrial period: N/AWarranty: 5-year limited warranty Starting MSRP: from $159.95 at Walmart However, I'm a back sleeper, too, and I didn't always feel supported along my lower back when lying in that position. I am a little skeptical about its "natural comfort" claim — the main body is memory foam and the cover is part-polyester, after all — but the removable bamboo-infused cover is washable and hypoallergenic for a cleaner sleep. This easy-to-clean, antimicrobial mattress topper did an excellent job of giving an old mattress gathering dust in my childhood bedroom a refresh during my four-week visit. Its foam body was dense enough to add sink-in softness to my worn-out spring mattress. I recommend it to anyone who wants to change up their super-firm or old bed but isn't in the market for one of this year's best mattresses. Panda says it uses open-cell cooling technology, and I did find the cover to feel quite soothing. However, I would describe the topper as more temperature-regulating than cooling, so hot sleepers should probably look for a mattress topper with specialized cooling capabilities. Panda London still primarily caters to the UK market, but you can buy the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper from third-party retailers such as Walmart and Amazon in the US. The topper is returnable for up to 90 days (depending on which retailer you buy from), but unfortunately, it does not come with a sleep trial. As for value for money, a queen-size Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper is $229.95 at MSRP, which is below even the standard discount price of the best memory foam mattress toppers in the same size.. The Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper is a little pricier in the US than it is in the UK, with a double (the UK equivalent of a full) costing £139.95 ($189.09). A full-size in the US costs $199.95, which is only a $10 or so difference, but still worth noting. Here's the official pricing for the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper in all available sizes: The average sale price of a queen-size memory foam mattress topper is $299, so $229.95 for a queen puts the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper below the average foam bed topper price. The main spots to buy the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper in the US are Walmart and Amazon. Free shipping is available from both, and the topper is returnable for 30 days with Amazon and 90 days with Walmart. (However, there is no official sleep trial from either.) There are no discounts on the mattress topper from either retailer at the time of publication, but you may find some price drops in the upcoming 4th of July mattress sales from Walmart and in the Amazon Prime Day mattress deals. As the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper is only sold through third-party retailers in the US, the benefits are a little nebulous. For instance, buying directly from Panda means you'll automatically get a 10-year warranty, but your entitlement to this becomes a little murky when buying from a third-party outside of the US. Panda Bamboo 2" Memory Foam Mattress Topper: twin from $159.95 at WalmartThe Panda Bamboo 2" Memory Foam Mattress Topper is available in four sizes at Walmart: twin, queen, king, and Cal King. Twin XL is unavailable, but you can purchase a full at Amazon. Walmart shoppers can enjoy 90-day returns and free shipping on this mattress toper, but its unclear whether purchasing from a third party means you're still entitled to the 10-year warranty. The design of the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper pretty much reflects its name. It consists of a 2" slab of gel-infused memory foam (called "HydroFoam"), which is encased in a bamboo-polyester cover. The HydroFoam is infused with temperature-regulating gel particles. The brand boasts that the foam has been "revolutionized" with cooling open-cell technology, but I've been writing about memory foam long enough to know that the standard types of foams used in mattresses are open-cell, so this really isn't some advanced piece of cooling tech — just marketing. Still, not all memory foam is infused with heat-dissipating micro gel capsules, and the inclusion of a naturally breathable bamboo cover means the surface does feel refreshing. Bamboo is also hypoallergenic and antibacterial, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers, and moisture-wicking and odor-resistant. The zip-up cover is removable and washable, and it also has an anti-slip base and elasticated anchor straps to secure the topper to your mattress and prevent shifting. I slept on a twin-size Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper for over a month, testing it in line with our mattress methodology, which focuses on three particular areas: support and comfort, temperature regulation, and ease of set-up. Similar to the best mattresses in a box, most memory foam mattress toppers are rolled up and shipped in a box to your doorstep. The Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper is no different, coming condensed and vacuum-packed in plastic. I've unboxed plenty of mattresses and bed toppers in my time as a tester, so I don't really need instructions, but it was nice to see an instruction booklet included to explain how to unbox and care for the topper. (You'd be surprised at how many mattresses and bed toppers don't come with instructions.) I found the set-up to be super easy. I simply cut the plastic with scissors and then rolled the topper out onto my bed. It expanded as soon as I cut the second layer of wrapping, and it had already covered my bed's surface before I could strip the last bit of plastic. The instructions said to leave the topper to expand for 12-16 hours. There was a slight arch running down the middle of the mattress topper, but the ridge disappeared within 12 hours. As for off-gassing, I found it to be barely noticeable, even though the instructions warned that it may linger for up to three days. Score: 4.5 out of 5 As someone who sleeps predominantly on my side, I loved the body-cradling, sink-in feel of the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper. Its dense foam provided a great surface for my hard, worn-out bed, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to refresh an older bed or soften a mattress that's too firm. I really felt my side-sleeping pressure points, such as my shoulders and hips, were soothed and supported. It's also billed as an orthopedic-grade topper, promising advanced back and neck support and optimal alignment. However, I didn't really notice this support when sleeping on my back. I didn't feel that my hips were supported when sleeping in this position; I weigh under 130lbs and prefer a softer bed. With that in mind, back and stomach sleepers, as well as heavier sleepers, may want to look elsewhere. Score: 4 out of 5 Bamboo is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking. The cover felt cool and refreshing at first touch. However, I wouldn't label it "cooling", just temperature-regulating. As with most memory foam bed toppers, the foam is infused with heat-dissipating gel to offset the material's tendency to trap heat. The Panda mattress topper retained some heat on warmer nights, and those who don't like the sink-in feel of memory foam may find it stuffy. Otherwise, I slept cool and comfortably most nights. Score: 4 out of 5 There aren't a lot of ratings for the Panda mattress topper on Amazon, but you'll find plenty at Walmart, where reviews are also taken from the Panda website. As of June 2025, the topper has accumulated over 7,200 ratings and an overall score of 4.8 stars out of 5. There are over 6,300 5-star reviews, with many customers saying the comfort and quality were worth the price, as the topper helped relieve their joint pain. Just over 80 reviews were overwhelmingly negative, with complaints focusing on the expansion time, the dubious claim that the topper is cooling, and some shoppers saying the memory foam was too soft. Side sleepers like me will love the body-cradling feel of the Panda Memory Foam Mattress Topper. It effectively contoured my shoulders, hips, and knees. It's also a great buy for those who want to refresh an old bed or soften a mattress that's too firm. The anti-slip base and elasticated corner straps are also a great addition for restless sleepers, while the washable, removable Bamboo cover is helpful for those who want to add a hypoallergenic layer for their bed. While it's not cooling, the bamboo cover provided a refreshing, temperature-regulating sleep surface for me, but very hot sleepers should look for a specialized cooling mattress topper instead. (Our top pick in that area is the Molecule CopperWELL Mattress Topper.) ✅ You're a side sleeper: The body-contouring feel of the memory foam is great for cushioning shoulders and hips while side sleeping. ✅ You want to refresh an old bed or soften a firm one: The two inches of dense foam can change the feel of worn-out or hard mattresses for the better. ✅ You want a cleaner, greener protection: The topper adds an extra layer of protection to your mattress, while the sustainable bamboo cover is naturally odor-resistant, antibacterial, and hypoallergenic. ❌ You sleep on your back or stomach: While promising advanced support, I did not feel my hips were supported enough when back sleeping. Meanwhile, stomach sleepers will find it too soft. ❌ You need a specialist cooling mattress topper: Those who overheat at night or experience night sweats won't be impressed with this temperature-neutral bed topper. ❌You're a college student in need of a twin XL: The Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper is not available in a twin XL, the standard dorm bed size, so you may want to check out the alternatives below or the best mattresses for college students. While the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper may not come in a Twin XL for college students, the Sleepyhead Cooling Copper Topper certainly does — in fact, it's designed for dorm beds. Those in need of a twin XL size can choose from 2" ($319) or 3" ($419). It's more expensive than the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Topper, but you're guaranteed a 100-night sleep trial, a five-year warranty to last you until graduation, and a 15% student discount. Learn more in our Sleepyhead Cooling Copper Mattress Topper review. The Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper is perfect for anyone who wants to soften their bed on a tight budget. It doesn't come standard with a cover, but this gel-infused memory foam topper comes in three thicknesses to choose from: 2", 3", or 4". Available in seven sizes (including a twin XL and Full XL) and with a starting price of $49.99, the Lucid Gel Memory Foam Topper is a great cost-effective alternative to the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper. Learn more in our Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper review. The Saatva High-Density Foam Mattress Topper may be thinner than the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper, but its thick layer provided top-tier cushioning for our side-sleeping testers. It has an organic cotton cover complete with anchor straps and an antimicrobial treatment, similar to the hypoallergenic properties of bamboo. (Unfortunately, the cover here is not removable.) At $245 for a queen, Saatva offers a slightly more luxurious option. Learn more in our Saatva Foam Mattress Topper review.
