It may be the ultimate sacrifries. New research warns that eating ultra-processed and fast foods during pregnancy puts the fetus at a greater health risk. Greasiness and calories aside, the risk stems from chemicals that often find their way into burgers and fries, according to the study from the University of Washington School of Medicine … Read more
The effects of synthetic chemicals called phthalates — dubbed “everywhere chemicals” — are being found in the womb, experts now warn. A new study backed by the National Institutes of Health has shown that phthalates, found in everyday products from food containers to shampoo, may be behind the rise in preterm births in the US. … Read more
Read it and weep. Men are less aggressive after smelling women’s tears, according to study findings published Thursday in PLOS Biology. The research, carried out by the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, found that human tears contain a chemical signal that reduces activity in two aggression-related brain regions. When researchers sought volunteers for the … Read more
Scented candles have become a beloved fixture in numerous households, admired for their ability to fill spaces with delightful fragrances and create a cozy atmosphere. Whether it’s the calming scent of lavender, the refreshing aroma of citrus, or the earthy notes of wood, these candles cater to a wide range of preferences and occasions, enhancing the … Read more
Your hairdo may be a hair don’t. Cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes (cVMS), commonly found in hair products, are known for shining and smoothing tresses — desirable qualities when you’re trying to tame frizz and prevent tangles. But a new study published this month by the American Chemical Society suggests that when these molecules are heated … Read more
The toxic chemicals known as PFAS are lurking in your house right now — and you’re probably inviting more of them in every day. PFAS, short for per- and polyfluorinated substances, are present in a wide range of everyday items found in most households. The chemicals — frequently referred to as “forever chemicals” due to … Read more
There’s something in the water — and you should get it out. Scientists have sounded the alarm about the group of toxic chemicals commonly known as PFAS, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they persist in water, plants, soil and elsewhere in the environment — including animal and human bodies. … Read more
It’s a real eyesore. A Toronto-based optometrist is sharing how waterproof makeup can harm eyes. “Waterproof makeup doesn’t dissolve in our tears. It can actually stick around in our eye and clog our oil glands that produce oil into our tears,” Dr. Alexa Hecht explained in a May TikTok that has resurfaced. In the 37-second clip, … Read more
No more Mr. Mice Guy. Mice are some of the dirtiest pests that can infest your home — they carry a variety of disease and organisms, which they spread by leaving behind their feces and urine. As the months get colder, mice often try to seek shelter, warmth and food inside homes. They particularly love NYC. The … Read more
Not that kind of herb. Common herbicides used to grow crops could be hindering adolescent brain function, scientists warned in new research released by the University of California, San Diego. “Many chronic diseases and mental health disorders in adolescents and young adults have increased over the last two decades worldwide, and exposure to neurotoxic contaminants … Read more
Well, well, well. New research from the University of New Mexico warns that water from many wells and community water systems across the US contains unsafe levels of known or suspected carcinogens — and calls for infrastructure upgrades. The shocking paper was published last month in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology following … Read more
These products may be freshening up your home — but at what cost? A new study, published Tuesday in Chemosphere, found household cleaning products may release hundreds of hazardous compounds that could linger in the air for months, so it’s recommended to buy “green,” fragrance-free cleaners. Scientists from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzed 30 common … Read more
It could be the the straw that broke the eco-worrier’s back. Paper straws might not be the “eco-friendly” drinking tube they’ve been promoted to be: Belgium researchers have found that these so-called “green” utensils are toxic and therefore potentially worse for the environment than their much-vilified plastic counterparts, according to a new study published in the … Read more
As “mascara cocktailing” grows in popularity, some beauty enthusiasts may be surprised to learn how mascara is made. Cocktailing fans pair several mascara formulas for a more defined lash. In the Science Channel’s YouTube video “How It’s Made: Mascara,” a narrator explains that while formulations for the eyelash cosmetic may vary, the basic ingredients are … Read more
Haters of kale, rejoice! A new survey of kale samples taken from several US grocery stores found that seven out of eight samples had “disturbing” levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Ironically, kale was chosen as a test subject because scientists wanted to look at a vegetable that has a reputation for being healthy. … Read more
An Australian transgender woman had to undergo emergency surgery after she burned her own penis so that doctors would remove it and fulfill her dream of becoming a woman. A case study detailing the wince-worthy incident was published recently in the medical journal Urology Case Reports. “We present a case of self-inflicted chemical penile burn … Read more
Babies with birth defects. Lab rats with enlarged livers. Dogs that died soon after exposure. These and other dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as “forever chemicals,” were hidden from the public, regulators and even company employees, even while the makers of products containing PFAS continued to promote their benefits. A new paper … Read more
California has moved one step closer to banning certain “toxic” ingredients commonly found in Skittles, Pez, Hot Tamales and many more popular candies. The California Assembly last week overwhelmingly passed Assembly Bill 418, sending the legislation over to the state Senate. Introduced by Democratic state Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, the bill would ban the sale, manufacture and distribution … Read more
Chroming is the latest drug trend, and it’s becoming more and more popular, especially among teenagers. A teenage girl in Australia died recently after inhaling toxic chemicals from a can in a trend called “chroming.” However, many people are unaware of chroming and what it is, or the effects it can cause. What is chroming? … Read more
New research has revealed that many soft contact lenses are made up of compounds linked to a host of health issues including cancer, liver and kidney disease, autoimmune disorders and fertility problems. Fluoropolymers are by definition described as PFAS or “forever chemicals” and some contact lenses are found to have extremely high levels of organic … Read more