COVID Face Masks Are a Ticking Plastic Bomb – 3 Million Thrown Away Every Minute
Every minute of the day we throw away 3 million face masks. Many end up as potentially toxic micro- and nanoplastic or carriers for other…
Toxicology
New Form of Synthetic Melanin: “Fungal Ghosts” Protect Skin, Fabric From Toxins, Radiation
Inspired by fungus, new form of synthetic melanin acts as natural detoxifier. The idea of creating selectively porous materials has captured the attention of chemists…
Swimming Pools Contain Dangerous Chlorine Disinfection Byproducts – Here’s How to Make Them Safer
Swimming in indoor or outdoor pools is a healthy form of exercise and recreation for many people. However, studies have linked compounds that arise from…
Nanomaterials: The Invisible Killer Lurking in Our Consumer Products
Our consumer products, such as food, cosmetics, and clothes, might be filled with nanomaterials — unbeknownst to us. The use of nanomaterials remains unregulated and…
Laundry Lint Can Cause Significant Tissue and DNA Damage Within Marine Mussels
Microscopic fibers created during the laundry cycle can cause damage to the gills, liver, and DNA of marine species, according to new research. Scientists at…
High Levels of Persistent Chemicals Detected in Drinking Water in Several Chinese Cities
Drinking water in several cities and regions in China contains high levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), according to a study published in Environmental Sciences…
E-cigarette Warning: Vaping Triggers Inflammation in the Gut
Chemicals used for vaping break down zipper-like junctions between cells in the gut, leading to chronic inflammation and potential for other health concerns. Touted by…
Pharmaceutical Scientist Warns of Potential Problems With Remdesivir As COVID-19 Treatment
University of Cincinnati researcher urges caution using remdesivir to treat COVID-19. While the world has its eyes on vaccines to stop the spread of coronavirus,…
Vape Flavorings Are Cardiotoxic and Can Damage the Heart
The vape flavorings so popular with kids and young adults are cardiotoxic and disrupt the heart’s normal electrical activity, a University of South Florida Health…
Microplastics in Our Drinking Water – Significant Source of Microplastics in Human Diet
Emerging environmental contaminants, both chemicals, and particulates, have been a concern for risk scientists for many years. Methods for reducing health and environmental risks from…
Prolonged Exposure to Weedkiller Roundup Can Cause Significant Harm to Keystone Species
Prolonged exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of the weedkiller Roundup causes significant harm to keystone species according to new research at the University of Birmingham….
3D Printers May Be Toxic for Humans – Particles Released Can Infiltrate Deep Into the Lungs
Risk researchers are asking new questions about the health and safety implications and how to mitigate any potential health risks to users of 3D printers…
Highly Toxic Algal Blooms on the US West Coast Triggered by Ocean Heatwave
Fishermen, swimmers, and seafood enthusiasts may already know the dangers of “red tides,” but a recent study in Frontiers in Climate shows that climate change…
Columbia Researchers Warn: Several U.S. Populations and Regions Exposed to High Arsenic Concentrations in Drinking Water
Odds of exceeding maximum contaminant levels were significantly greater for water systems in the Southwest and serving Hispanic communities. A new national study of public…
False Widow Spider Bites Can Transmit Harmful Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
NUI Galway study, published in the international journal Scientific Reports, confirms that spiders carry harmful bacteria and that they can be transmitted when a spider…
Analysis of Coroners’ Reports Raises Warning: Swallowing Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Can Kill
Public largely unaware of potential safety hazards. Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizer can kill, warns an analysis of two such deaths identified in coroners’ reports, and…
Warning: Bleach-Alternative COVID-19 Surface Disinfectants May Pollute Indoor Air
Cleaning surfaces with hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants has the potential to pollute the air and pose a health risk, according to research led by the University…
Research Group Warns: Talc-Based Cosmetics Test Positive for Asbestos
Laboratory tests of talc-based cosmetics products, commissioned by the Environmental Working Group, found asbestos — a deadly human carcinogen for which there is no safe…