Are cell phones really more addictive than crack? A skeptic’s guide
Environmental Health
Freaky Clean: Chemical in Antibacterial Soap Weakens Muscle Function
A new study questions the safety of triclosan, a common chemical in antibacterial products like soap, toothpaste and mouthwash
Is Your Garden Hose Toxic?
Ever take a sip from your garden hose? Testing on water from standard hoses finds that it’s contaminated with harmful chemicals, including lead, BPA and phthalates. Get the full scoop on our companion blog Ideas.
Unplug! Too Much Light at Night May Lead to Depression
Mood disorders join a long list of ailments linked to late-night exposure to artificial lighting, TVs and computer screens
FDA Bans BPA from Baby Bottles and Sippy Cups
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Tuesday that baby bottles and sippy cups can no longer contain bisphenol-A (BPA), the endocrine-disrupting chemical found in plastics and food packaging.
Ozone Can Harm the Heart in as Little as Two Hours
A new study shows just how quickly exposure to air pollution can trigger dangerous changes in the heart, even in otherwise healthy young people.
Toxic Flame Retardants: Why Does Kids’ Exposure Vary by Race and Socioeconomics?
A new study finds that despite equal levels of chemicals in their homes, nonwhite toddlers had more exposure to flame retardant toxins than their white peers.
Study During Beijing Olympics Shows How Pollution Harms the Heart
Inflammation and unhealthy clotting factors decreased in Beijing as pollution levels dropped during the 2008 Olympic Games. In order to maintain that trend, a researcher has some advice: drive less.
Exposure to Air Pollution in Pregnancy May Boost Chances of Obesity in Kids
It’s easy to blame parents when young children gain too much weight, but the latest research suggests that certain obesity risk factors are out of Mom and Dad’s control.
Mom’s Exposure to Air Pollution Can Increase Kids’ Behavior Problems
Prenatal exposure to pollutants in city air is linked to later anxiety, depression and behavior problems in children.
Toxic Bling: Jewelry Contains Hazardous Levels of Lead and Other Chemicals
Jewelry sold at popular retailers could contain dangerous levels of cancer-causing toxic chemicals, according to an analysis by a non-profit environmental group.
Study: BPA May Be Linked with Heart Disease
Researchers link the ubiquitous chemical, found in plastics and in the lining of food and beverage cans, to an increased risk of heart disease in humans.
Oh, Baby: There May Be Arsenic in Your Formula
A new study suggests that organic brown-rice syrup — a sweetener used in many organic and gluten-free foods, including baby formula — may be a hidden source of arsenic
