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A MYSTERIOUS pollutant that is the most potent greenhouse gas yet discovered is accumulating in the atmosphere. Although present at extremely low concentrations, the pollutant could accelerate global warming if it continues to build up.

A single molecule of the compound, trifluoromethyl sulphur pentafluoride, traps as much heat as 18 000 molecules of carbon dioxide and scientists fear it could remain in the atmosphere for thousands of years. Concentrations are rising by 6 per cent a year.

William Sturge at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, and his colleagues discovered the compound in samples of air from the stratosphere and in trapped air drawn from Antarctic snow. 鈥淲e need to know where it鈥檚 coming from,鈥� says Sturge.

The researchers speculate that the source might be sulphur hexafluoride, a related compound used as an insulator in large electricity substations and power stations. 鈥淲e use special equipment to stop leaks of [sulphur hexafluoride],鈥� says a spokesman from National Grid UK in Coventry. 鈥淭his is the first time we鈥檝e heard of this new compound. We鈥檒l be looking into it with interest.鈥�