Aug 17 A Pennsylvania study suggests links between natural gas drilling and asthma, lymphoma in children By Marc Levy, Associated Press In the reports, University of Pittsburgh researchers found what they called significant associations between gas industry activity and two ailments: asthma, and lymphoma in children, who are relatively rarely diagnosed with this type of cancer. Continue reading
Aug 16 Watch 5:46 Study estimates nearly half of U.S. water supply contaminated with 'forever chemicals' By Stephanie Sy, Courtney Norris, Dorothy Hastings A recent government study estimates nearly half of America’s tap water could contain toxic "forever chemicals" known as PFAS. These chemicals have been used in many everyday items since the 1940s from nonstick cookware to cosmetics to rain jackets. Exposure… Continue watching
Aug 14 Maui residents face lingering toxic hazards in aftermath of deadly wildfires By Andrew J. Whelton, The Conversation Maui County issued an ‘unsafe water’ alert and urged precautions. Residents can face multiple toxic hazards after fires. Continue reading
Aug 13 Inconsistent methods for counting U.S. heat deaths stymie public health efforts By Anita Snow, Kendria LaFleur, Associated Press Experts say a mishmash of ways more than 3,000 counties calculate heat deaths means we don't really know how many people die in the U.S. each year because of high temperatures in an ever warming world. Continue reading
Aug 13 Study links 'forever chemicals' exposure to testicular cancer among military personnel By Hannah Norman, Patricia Kime, KFF Health News A new federal study for the first time shows a direct association between PFOS, a PFAS chemical, found in the blood of thousands of military personnel and testicular cancer. Continue reading
Aug 13 Doctors warn some popular weight-loss drugs may raise risk of complications under anesthesia By JoNel Aleccia, Associated Press Patients who take blockbuster drugs like Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss may face life-threatening complications if they need surgery or other procedures that require empty stomachs for anesthesia. Continue reading
Aug 13 How extreme heat can hinder effectiveness of pregnancy tests, some contraception By Shefali Luthra, The 19th Many states with abortion bans are experiencing broiling summers — and the heat could damage supplies such as emergency contraception and condoms. Continue reading
Aug 11 Insurers view new Alzheimer's drug as experimental, won't cover treatment for some customers By Tom Murphy, Associated Press Some private insurers are balking at paying for the first drug fully approved to slow mental decline in Alzheimer’s patients. Continue reading
Aug 10 Supreme Court temporarily blocks OxyContin maker bankruptcy deal that would protect Sackler family By Mark Sherman, Associated Press The justices on Thursday agreed to a Biden administration request to put the brakes on an agreement reached last year with state and local governments. Continue reading
Aug 09 Watch 9:31 Government eyes more coal regulations as black lung cases sharply rise among miners By William Brangham, Layla Quran One in five coal miners in central Appalachia with at least 25 years of experience has black lung disease. It is caused by inhaling toxic dust in and around mines and the most severe form is at its highest rate… Continue watching