World's second highest level of toxic chemical that harms human fertility is discovered in Glasgow

A SCOTS river has been found to have the second highest concentration of a toxic chemical thought to harm human fertility ever found in the world.

- BY DAN VEVERS Chief Reporter

Joint research by York University and environmental charity Fidra has raised the alarm on levels of TFA (trifluoroacetic acid) in Glasgow's River Kelvin.

The "forever chemical" takes more than 1000 years to break down and German government scientists recently pushed for the EU to classify it as toxic to reproduction amid growing fears.

TFA was found in 31 of 32 UK rivers surveyed by researchers, however the highest concentration was found in the Kelvin - the second highest recorded globally.

Sally Johnston, chair of Friends of the River Kelvin, said: "We need answers on what is causing it and who is accountable.