temperatures

But the tough carbon-fluorine bonds in the compounds resist being torn apart, leading to expensive remediation schemes that rely on powerful chemicals and high temperatures and pressures.

It was introduced in 1997 as a universal payment to reassure pensioners they would be able to heat their homes as temperatures drop, although in practice recipients can spend it on whatever they want.

However, with temperatures dropping to freezing levels and snow hitting parts of the UK, rising energy bills will once again become the focus of many households.

Cold temperatures have essentially the opposite effect, slowing metabolism and movement of herbicides within the plant and rendering them less effective.

Some people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are entitled to the payout after a prolonged period of below-zero temperatures.