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Hi ,
This week we've been investigating the state of Scotland's lochs, revealing that many are polluted with unsafe levels of Pfas, the so-called 'forever chemicals' used to make things like non-stick pans and waterproof clothing.
To do this, we assesed data - obtained using freedom of information requests - on water samples taken by Scottish Water.
This sort of journalism takes time and effort, and we can only do it thanks to the support of our members.
You can read the full story below.
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Yours,
Ali
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Story of the week
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An in-depth look at a Ferret investigation
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Lochs in Orkney, the Highlands and the Outer Hebrides are among waters containing high levels of toxic pollutants with health risks known as ‘forever chemicals’, The Ferret can reveal.
More than a quarter of surface waters tested in Scotland contain unsafe levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – chemicals used in industrial processes and consumer products from non-stick cookware and food packaging, to waterproof clothing. Some of these ‘forever chemicals’ have been linked to various diseases, including cancers.
According to our analysis of samples taken by Scottish Water, the sites are above a threshold for environmental safety proposed by the EU.
The worst site, a loch on the Isle of Lewis, tested ten times over the safe standard. Others – from Orkney to the rural Highlands – were as much as four times over.
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What did we dig up this week?
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A round up of our investigations in the last seven days
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Anger as public cash for ‘just’ transition flows to big business
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Grassroots organisations say Scotland’s £500m ‘just transition’ fund has been “captured” by corporate interests – including oil billionaire Sir Ian Wood.
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The Israel Defense Forces used a Scottish museum’s 3D models in propaganda videos
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One of the most advanced military forces in the world used 3D scans of the museum’s boat building workshop in propaganda videos for its operations in Gaza, Iran and Syria.
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Question of the week
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Are you concerned about the pollution of Scottish waters?
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A bridge, 130 convictions and a 30-year fight: The tolls that made criminals of islanders
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When the Skye Bridge opened 30 years ago, motorists were charged £4.70 to drive their cars one way over the crossing. (BBC News)
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On the front line of the Fluoride Wars, debate over drinking water treatment turns raucous
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After decades of fluoridating drinking water to improve public health, some communities are wavering on the practice. (ProPublica)
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Shattered concrete, dirty water and asbestos: Israeli bombing causes ‘unparalleled’ ecological crisis in Gaza
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Contaminated air, land and water has put region at risk of multiple public health and environmental emergencies, report says. (TBIJ)
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