All articles tagged with #toxins
New research from Northeastern University reveals that crumb rubber, used in artificial turf and made from recycled tires, decays into hundreds of potentially hazardous chemicals when exposed to sunlight and natural conditions, raising concerns about human health and environmental safety.
A year after the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, residents continue to face hazardous indoor conditions due to lingering toxins like lead and asbestos, with many struggling to get proper cleanup and insurance coverage, leading to ongoing health risks and emotional distress.
Wearing shoes inside the house can introduce harmful germs, toxins, and allergens, cause messes, damage flooring, and may be culturally inappropriate, while going shoeless can be more comfortable and healthier for your home environment.
Scientists observed snakes dragging toxin-containing frogs across the ground before eating them, revealing how some animals have evolved mechanisms like toxin degradation or resistance to survive and even co-opt deadly chemicals, highlighting the complex chemical arms race in nature.
Scientists have found dangerously high levels of mercury in swamp alligators in Georgia and South Carolina, especially in the Okefenokee Swamp, raising concerns about environmental contamination and health risks for wildlife and humans, with mercury entering food webs and accumulating in top predators like alligators.
A study by UC Riverside found that heating e-cigarette fluids produces toxic chemicals, methylglyoxal and acetaldehyde, which can damage human lung cells, with methylglyoxal being potentially more harmful even at lower levels, raising concerns about long-term health risks of vaping.
A mouse study reveals that microplastics released from plastic cutting boards can cause inflammation and gut microbiota changes, raising concerns about human exposure to microplastics through food preparation, and emphasizing the importance of replacing old boards and maintaining good hygiene practices.
Scientists have discovered that specific gut microbes can naturally absorb and eliminate up to 74% of PFAS chemicals from the human body, especially long-chain variants, through a mechanism that involves pumping toxins out of cells. This finding could lead to probiotic treatments for PFAS removal, offering a less invasive alternative to current methods, though the broader issue of PFAS contamination remains critical.
Research from the University of Cambridge shows that certain gut microbes can absorb and help expel 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) from the body, potentially leading to probiotic treatments to reduce these toxic compounds, which are linked to serious health issues. The microbes removed up to 75% of some PFAS in mice, offering a promising, side-effect-free approach to detoxification, though broader environmental and health strategies are still necessary.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have discovered that certain gut bacteria can absorb and help remove harmful PFAS chemicals from the body, potentially leading to probiotic treatments to mitigate their health effects, although this has not yet been tested in humans.
The article clarifies misconceptions about sunscreen, emphasizing that it is safe and essential for skin cancer prevention, with mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide being the safest options. It advises using broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreens, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding DIY alternatives, while highlighting that fear-mongering about 'toxins' is unfounded and that sunscreen use is supported by extensive research. The article also stresses the importance of consistent sun protection for all skin tones.
Herbal supplements, often perceived as safe and natural, can pose serious health risks including liver and kidney damage due to contamination, toxins, and unpredictable reactions, especially when used without proper knowledge or medical oversight. It is crucial to research, consult healthcare professionals, and monitor health when using these products to avoid irreversible harm.
A study reveals that feather-legged lace weaver spiders kill prey not by injecting venom, but by covering them with silk infused with regurgitated toxins, using a unique method that lacks venom glands but is equally effective.
Scientists in Colorado have detected medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), toxic chemicals similar to PFAS, in the Oklahoma air, likely originating from biosolids used as fertilizer, raising concerns about environmental and health impacts and highlighting regulatory challenges.
Certain vegetables like artichokes contain compounds such as cynarin and antioxidants that naturally support liver health by promoting bile production, protecting liver cells from oxidative stress, and reducing inflammation, which can be beneficial for conditions like NAFLD.