A CLEVER way of making ‘invisible’ chemical pollution visible has been shortlisted for a national award.

North Berwick-based Fidra, which works to reduce plastic waste and chemical pollution, is one of five groups in the running for the Coast and Waters Award at RSPB Scotland’s Nature of Scotland Awards.

The charity has been working to eliminate sources of PFAs, a group of more than 4,700 industrial chemicals, used in a wide range of everyday products, which now pollute air, soil and water worldwide.

These ‘forever chemicals’ build up through food chains, causing long-term damage to wildlife.

PFAs are also, say Fidra, linked to a wide range of human health impacts from growth, learning and behavioural problems, to cancer, immune system disorders and fertility issues.

PFAs – Per- or poly-fluorinated alkyl substances – are used in everything from waterproof clothing and cosmetics to packaging. Many current uses are unnecessary, say campaigners, or could easily be replaced with safer alternatives.

Fidra has devised a simple bead test to test food packaging at home for these invisible chemicals.

All that is needed is some paper or cardboard food packaging, a pencil, and some olive oil.

Bead test results can then be submitted to Fidra online by the public, with results are shared with the retail industry and policy makers to highlight the widespread use of PFAs.

Westgate-based Fidra has also worked with retailers of school uniforms to highlight the use of PFAs as an unnecessary stain resistant coating.

This resulted in the major UK supermarkets now stocking own-brand uniform without PFAs coatings, as listed on Fidra’s PFAsfree website.

Dr Clare Cavers, senior projects manager at Fidra, told the Courier: “We are thrilled to be shortlisted for the Nature of Scotland Awards.

“We would like to extend a huge thank you to all members of the public across Scotland and the globe that have submitted PFAs Bead Test results to our website and raised awareness of PFAs pollution as an issue.”

The bead test was announced as a finalist in the Coast and Waters category at a ceremony at the Scottish Parliament, the first in-person celebration for the Nature of Scotland Awards since 2019.

On November 17, the finalists will gather at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, where the winners of 10 categories will be announced.

Alongside Fidra in hoping to win the Coast and Waters Award are community-led marine habitat restoration project Seawilding; Glen Muick River and Wetlands Restoration Project; Garrell Burn restoration; and Eddleston – A River Reborn.

The awards ceremony, now in its 11th year and co-sponsored by NatureScot, will be hosted by wildlife presenter Iolo Williams and radio and television presenter Arlene Stuart.

Anne McCall, director of RSPB Scotland, said: “Chairing the judging panel for the Nature of Scotland Awards is easily one of the best jobs I get to do as part of my role as director of RSPB Scotland. I am so inspired by the number of new, exciting projects we hear about each year, working hard to conserve Scotland’s important habitats and wildlife.”

To take part in the bead test, visit www.pfasfree.org.uk

“I am so inspired by the number of new, exciting projects we hear about each year, working hard to conserve Scotland’s important habitats and wildlife.

“The judging process seems to get harder and harder every year!

“My fellow judges and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to apply and we look forward to meeting and celebrating with everyone from the conservation community at the ceremony in November.”