Americans may be consuming fast food wrapped in paper treated with perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) — the same chemicals used in stain-resistant products, firefighting materials and nonstick cookware, according to a new study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. Researchers tested more than 400 samples of packaging materials, including hamburger and sandwich wrappers, pastry bags, […]
Toxic Chemicals In Salons, Lack Of Education Lead To Adverse Health Effects
Clients who frequent hair and nail salons exhibit more skin and fungal diseases than those who visit less often and nail salon technicians are receiving inadequate training in the use of chemicals, suggest two Rutgers School of Public Health studies. These studies highlight the need for beauty salon clients and workers to protect themselves from […]
How Food Preservatives May Disrupt Human Hormones And Promote Obesity
Can chemicals that are added to breakfast cereals and other everyday products make you obese? Growing evidence from animal experiments suggests the answer may be “yes.” But confirming these findings in humans has faced formidable obstacles — until now. A new study published in Nature Communications details how Cedars-Sinai investigators developed a novel platform and protocol for […]
Tracking Hazardous Chemicals From Fast-Food Wrappers In The Body
Research teams from the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Medicine and the University of Notre Dame have developed a new method that enables researchers to radiolabel three forms of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances and track the fate of these chemicals when they enter the body. This is a significant and timely advancement […]
STINK! The Movie The Chemical Industry Doesn’t Want You To See
From baby wipes and shampoo to floor cleaners and laundry detergents, many household consumer products contain toxic chemicals that are completely unregulated. This documentary, “Stink!”, sheds a light on this persistent problem. STINK! opens with a foul smell and a pair of kids pajamas. And a single father trying to find out what that smell […]
Hazardous Chemicals Discovered In Flavored E-Cigarette Vapor
Building on more than 30 years of air quality research in some of the most polluted urban environments on Earth, a team of atmospheric scientists at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) has turned their attention toward the growing e-cigarette industry and the unidentified effects of vaping on human health. New research published this week in […]
Flame Retardants: Human Hair And Nails Can Tell Toxic Secrets
Chemicals used as flame retardants that are potentially harmful to humans are found in hair, toenails and fingernails, according to new research from Indiana University. The discovery of an easily available biomarker should ease the way for further research to determine the human impact of chemicals commonly found in the environment, including in indoor dust, […]
Research Finds Lawn Chemicals Raise Cancer Risk In Scottish Terriers
Exposure to herbicide-treated lawns and gardens increases the risk of bladder cancer in Scottish terriers, a discovery that could lead to new knowledge about human susceptibility to the disease, according to Purdue University scientists. A team of veterinary researchers including Lawrence T. Glickman has found an association between risk of transitional cell carcinoma of the […]
‘Runoff’ Movie A Thriller Of Everyday Farm Life Dangers, Harsh Realities And Sacrifice
RUNOFF explores what might a loving wife and mother do in hopes of pulling her family from the brink of financial disaster? The beauty of the land cannot mask the brutality of a farm town. As harvest draws near, Betty confronts a terrifying new reality and will go to desperate lengths to save her family when […]
Common Chemicals Linked To Osteoarthritis
A new study has linked exposure to two common perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) with osteoarthritis. PFCs are used in more than 200 industrial processes and consumer products including certain stain- and water-resistant fabrics, grease-proof paper food containers, personal care products, and other items. Because of their persistence, PFCs have become ubiquitous contaminants of humans and wildlife. […]