Research shows that Neanderthals were more susceptible to lead poisoning than modern humans, which may have influenced our species' communication abilities and provided an evolutionary advantage. The study suggests that exposure to lead, a toxin present for millions of years, impacted brain development and language skills, with modern humans developing gene variants that offered better protection against lead's toxic effects.
A study found evidence of lead exposure in the teeth of hominins dating back nearly 2 million years, suggesting that lead poisoning is an ancient issue that may have influenced human evolution, with environmental sources like natural minerals and wildfires contributing to exposure.
A study suggests that lead exposure, present throughout human history, may have contributed to the extinction of Neanderthals by impairing their brain development and language abilities, while modern humans evolved genetic resistance to lead toxicity, aiding their survival.
The FDA has issued a warning about certain imported nonstick cookware that may leach toxic lead into food, advising consumers to dispose of affected products and switch to safer, lead-free alternatives made from materials like stainless steel and ceramic coatings.
An investigation in China revealed a cover-up involving officials and hospital staff over a lead poisoning incident at Peixin Kindergarten, where contaminated food caused hundreds of children to fall ill; several arrests have been made, and new national food safety guidelines have been issued.
Over 200 children in a Chinese kindergarten were found to have high blood lead levels after kitchen staff used paint as food coloring, leading to a government investigation, detention of involved personnel, and public outrage over food safety and transparency issues.
Ridley Scott attributes the erratic behavior of Roman emperors in 'Gladiator' and its sequel to historical lead poisoning. He explains that the Roman aristocracy consumed water through lead pipes, which could have caused mental instability. This historical detail is reflected in the portrayal of unstable emperors in both films. 'Gladiator II,' featuring Fred Hechinger and Joseph Quinn as twin emperors, is receiving critical acclaim, and Scott hints at a possible extended cut and a third installment.
Lead poisoning, a significant but often overlooked global health crisis, is gaining attention and funding, particularly for its devastating impact on children's cognitive development. At a U.N. conference in Kenya, experts highlighted the severe consequences of lead exposure and the need for increased awareness, measurement, and regulation. USAID has allocated $1.5 million to address the issue, focusing on eliminating lead in consumer goods and enforcing regulations, especially in low- and middle-income countries where the problem is most severe.
The California Department of Public Health has warned residents against using a Vietnamese hemorrhoid ointment, Cao Bôi Trĩ Cây Thầu Dầu, due to dangerous levels of lead, which has been linked to a death in Northern California. The product was found to contain 4% lead and was purchased online and through social media. Consumers are urged to stop using the product immediately, seek healthcare advice, and request a blood lead test. State health officials are working to raise awareness within Vietnamese communities, and individuals with questions can contact the CDPH for more information.
A Sacramento woman died after using a Vietnamese hemorrhoid ointment laced with a "highly dangerous amount of lead," prompting California health officials to issue a warning. The product, called Cao Bôi Trĩ Cây Thầu Dầu, was purchased through Facebook and shipped from Vietnam. Health officials urge residents not to use it and recommend blood lead testing for household members, as lead can be absorbed through the skin, causing mild to severe symptoms.
A California woman died after using a toxic Vietnamese hemorrhoid ointment containing a "highly dangerous amount of lead," which she purchased through Facebook and had shipped from Vietnam. The product, called Cao Bôi Trĩ Cây Thầu Dầu, was found to contain about 4% lead, prompting state health officials to issue a warning urging residents not to use it and to undergo blood lead testing, especially for children who may have come into contact with the cream. Lead poisoning can cause mild to severe symptoms, and the Orange County Health Care Agency has sent out a public health alert about the dangerous product.
A woman in Sacramento, California died after using a hemorrhoid cream purchased on Facebook from Vietnam that was found to contain four percent lead, thousands of times above the safe limit. Officials are warning against buying products from unrecognized online sellers and urging people to dispose of the cream, which was primarily sold in Vietnamese language Facebook groups. Lead poisoning can cause seizures, brain swelling, and organ failure, and is particularly dangerous for children and pregnant women.
Consumer Reports has found concerning levels of lead, sodium, and potentially harmful chemicals in Lunchables, prompting a petition to remove the Kraft Heinz products from the National School Lunch Program. The watchdog's testing revealed elevated lead levels and phthalates in the packaging, raising concerns about children's health risks. Kraft Heinz defended its products, but critics argue that ultra-processed foods like Lunchables are inappropriate for school lunches and call for stricter nutrition standards to ensure children have access to healthier options.
Several U.S. companies have issued recalls of ground cinnamon due to elevated lead levels, prompting health concerns. The FDA warned of potential health risks associated with lead exposure, including high blood pressure, headaches, and kidney dysfunction. The affected products were distributed nationwide and in specific regions, and the recalls were initiated after sample testing revealed the issue. No illnesses have been reported, but medical experts caution that lead poisoning, especially in children, can have long-term developmental and neurological effects.
The US FDA is investigating cinnamon products for potential lead contamination, including ground cinnamon, with one affected brand being Swad, available at Patel Brothers. High levels of lead have been found in some ground cinnamon brands, posing a risk of lead poisoning, particularly in children. Recalls have been recommended for products from six distributors, and consumers are advised to stop using affected products and dispose of them properly.
