The River Roding may look like an unspoiled stretch of water but it is laced with invisible “forever chemicals” – prompting campaigners to warn of a “toxic time bomb”.
A family of 10,000 chemicals called PFAS – Per- and polyfluoroalkyl sub-stances – are everywhere from non-stick pans, waterproof coats and cosmetics.
Valued for their non-stick and detergent properties, these “forever chemicals” do not break down in the environment and can build up in the body.
