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Published on Leave a comment on Smokeless Fuels Produce More Ultrafine Particles That Get Into Lungs
Fireplace Credit: Wikipedia

Another example of unintended consequences: a recent study found that smokeless or low-smoke fuels actually produce more ultrafine particles, which can wind up embedded deep in the lungs and even cross the blood-brain barrier. Thus having health effects, such as lung inflammation.

On the other hand, it has long been known that regular smoke from burning wood or coal contains larger particles, which also have health effects (respiratory and cardiovascular effects).

Ultrafine particles are less than 100 nm (nanometer) in diameter. Truly tiny.

Excerpts from The Guardian: ‘Smokeless’ fuels produce more ultrafine particles that get embedded in lungs, study shows

New research has found that burning “smokeless” or low-smoke fuels may be causing new air pollution hazards on streets and in homes.

These fuels are sold as alternatives to burning coal, wood and peat at home, but tests reveal their smoke contains large quantities of tiny ultrafine particles, smaller than the wavelength of light, that can deposit themselves deep in our lungs. ...continue reading "Smokeless Fuels Produce More Ultrafine Particles That Get Into Lungs"

Published on Leave a comment on Many Baby and Toddler Foods Are Ultra-Processed
Yogurt with ultra-processed ingredients Credit: Wikipedia

There is concern in the United States about the increasing rates of colon cancer in young persons. Currently it is the leading cause of cancer in persons under 50 years. Some possible causes being examined are ultra-processed foods (over 50% of calories eaten daily by Americans), low fiber intake, and microplastics.

This is why the results of a recent study are especially concerning: about 71% of baby and toddler foods sold in the United States are ultra-processed. Snack sized packages and pouches were especially likely to having ultra-processed ingredients, as well as high levels of sugar and sodium (salt).

How to recognize ultra-processed foods? Read ingredient labels and if there is something that normally is not found in a person's kitchen, then it is ultra-processed. [Good book about this topic: Ultra-Processed People]

Examples of ingredients found in ultra-processed foods: emulsifiers, carrageenan, mono- and diglycerides, soy lecithin, polysorbate, cellulose, colors, titanium dioxide, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, dextrose, whey protein, nitrates, artificial flavors, natural flavors, colors, etc. Natural flavors are laboratory concoctions, even if they are "organic".

Excerpts from Food and Wine: Nearly 3 in 4 Packaged Baby-Food Products Sold in the US Are Ultra-Processed, Study Finds

  • A new study by The George Institute for Global Health found that 71% of baby and toddler foods sold in major U.S. grocery stores are ultra-processed.
  • Researchers identified more than 100 different additives in these products, with general additives, flavor enhancers, and thickeners among the most common.

...continue reading "Many Baby and Toddler Foods Are Ultra-Processed"

Published on Leave a comment on Global Warming Is Now Accelerating

The past few years have been the hottest globally since records have been kept, and have broken temperature records. And the pace of global warming is accelerating! The rate has surged so much that it is nearly double what it was in the 1970s. Yikes!

This means climate change is speeding up. Temperatures, storms, droughts, wildfires, and so on. Carbon dioxide levels are at the highest level in about 2 million years. All of this has been predicted by climate change models. So no - it is not just normal swings in climate. In fact, scientists feel we're close to Earth's tipping points (e.g, Atlantic Ocean currents weakening and slowing down.)

It is past time for governments to address this issue. But will they?

From YaleEnvironment360: Global Warming Is Accelerating, Study Shows

The Earth is warming at the fastest rate on record as emissions hit new highs and critical carbon sinks break down.

From Science Daily: Scientists detect a sudden acceleration in global warming

Global warming has been increasing at a faster pace since about 2015, according to a new study from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). By adjusting global temperature records to remove known natural influences, researchers were able to identify a statistically significant rise in the rate of warming for the first time. ...continue reading "Global Warming Is Now Accelerating"

Published on Leave a comment on Eating Wild Blueberries Has Health Benefits

Some foods appear to have especially powerful health benefits. Berries are very beneficial, especially blueberries. (Or at least they have been studied more than other berries.) A recent study found that frequent or daily consumption of  wild blueberries is especially beneficial for cardiometabolic health, including vascular health.

Blueberries contain lots of fiber, polyphenols (which have powerful effects on vascular health), antioxidants, flavonoids (anthocyanins), and micronutrients. Wild blueberries have more of all these compared to farmed blueberries. Blueberries are especially beneficial for vascular health because they reduce inflammation and vascular dysfunction.

Bottom line: Researchers suggest eating daily half a cup to one cup blueberries, especially wild blueberries, for health benefits, such as lowering inflammation. (Less is good also - better to eat some than none)

Medical Xpress: Studies suggest Maine wild blueberries support gut and heart health

Wild blueberries—the iconic Maine crop dotting hillsides, decorating sweatshirts and adding personality to local menus—is more than a cultural symbol. More than 20 years of preclinical and clinical studies suggest that regularly consuming wild blueberries supports gut and heart health and may reduce risk factors associated with chronic disease. ...continue reading "Eating Wild Blueberries Has Health Benefits"

Published on Leave a comment on Sometimes Getting A Tattoo Can Result in Eye Problems
Tattoo Credit: Wikipedia

Tattoos are incredibly popular throughout the world. One rare, but very concerning result from getting a tattoo is tattoo-associated uveitis. This is an inflammation of the eye, which can even cause permanent vision loss.

The most common health complications of tattoos are local inflammations, infections, allergic reactions at the site of the tattoo, and other inflammatory immune responses. Uveitis is a rare inflammatory response, which is consistently  associated with long-term inflammation at the tattoo site (meaning that the inflammation has spread to the eye).

A recent review of studies found that tattoo-associated uveitis was associated with black ink and larger tattoos. Uveitis treatments included: 70.5% of individuals were treated with corticosteroids (with 50% needing long-term treatment), immunosuppressants (38.6%), and 16% had removal of the tattoo by excision. 16% also needed intraocular pressure management.

Different countries have different regulations regarding tattoo inks, with the European Union having stricter regulations than other countries. While the following article discusses tattoo-associated uveitis cases in Australia, it also occurs in the United States.

Bottom line: Monitor tattoos to see if there is long-term inflammation (swelling, redness).

Excerpts from The Conversation: What’s the link between tattoos and vision loss? 2 optometrists explain

Getting a tattoo can be a thrilling, albeit painful, experience.

About one-third of Australians have a tattoo, with many getting inked as a rite of passage. However, a small but increasing number of Australians are being diagnosed with a rare tattoo-related eye condition. It’s known as tattoo-associated uveitis and can cause permanent vision loss. ...continue reading "Sometimes Getting A Tattoo Can Result in Eye Problems"

Published on Leave a comment on Fixing Indoor Mold Problems Results In Fewer Asthma ER Visits
Indoor mold Credit: Wikipedia

Mold exposure can be a trigger for respiratory ailments, including sinusitis and asthma. A recent study conducted in New York City's public housing found that fixing mold problems in apartments led to a big decrease in emergency visits for severe asthma attacks. Duh!...of course...

They found an average of nine fewer asthma-related emergency department visits per 1000 residents per year, or nearly 2800 fewer emergency department visits per year overall. Residents in nearby housing (apartments) not part of NY City's Housing Authority was the comparison group.

It makes sense that when the trigger for an asthma attack is removed, that there are fewer asthma attacks resulting in emergency room visits. But at least now the results have been quantified in a study. (NOTE: the study did not look at incidence of sinusitis, but one would expect the same type of results - if prolonged mold exposure triggers sinusitis, then cleaning it up prevents sinusitis).

From Medscape: Fix Mold, Reduce Asthma ED Visits?

An effort to remediate mold in public housing in New York City (NYC) was associated with thousands fewer emergency department visits for asthma per year, according to research presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)2026 Annual Meeting. ...continue reading "Fixing Indoor Mold Problems Results In Fewer Asthma ER Visits"

Published on Leave a comment on Carrageenan May Be A Problem In Those With Red Meat Allergies Caused By Tick Bites
Lone star tick Credit: Wikipedia

Tick bites from the lone star tick are increasingly resulting in the alpha-gal syndrome in the United States. This syndrome results in an intense delayed allergic response to red meat (beef, pork, and lamb), dairy products, and gelatin. Researchers have now found another common food ingredient that may cause an allergic response in those with the syndrome: carrageenan.

Carrageenan is derived from seaweed and is a commonly used emulsifier in foods and an ingredient in medications. A recent study of 562 individuals with self-reported alpha-gal syndrome found that about 11% reported an allergic response to carrageenan.

Following up on this in larger groups of people (how pervasive is carrageenan allergy in alpha-gal syndrome?) will be interesting. Many drugs don't report ingredient lists, and how many people actually read food ingredient lists? Unfortunately, someone trying to avoid dairy products due to alpha-gal syndrome may instead eat non-dairy ice cream - which contains carrageenan (as a thickener)!

From Medscape: Carrageenan: A Potential Allergen for Patients With Alpha-Gal Syndrome

 Carrageenan is the second most commonly self-reported allergy by individuals with alpha-gal syndrome, surpassing nearly all other alpha-gal-containing food allergens, according to a research poster presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) 2026 Annual Meeting. ...continue reading "Carrageenan May Be A Problem In Those With Red Meat Allergies Caused By Tick Bites"

Published on Leave a comment on Chemical Exposure Linked to Liver Scarring
Human liver Credit: Wikipedia

Not all cleaning products or chemicals used in dry cleaning are safe to use. A recent study found that the chemical tetrachloroethylene (PERC or PCE) can cause serious liver harm in the form of liver fibrosis, and that the effects are dose dependent for liver fibrosis. The more a person is exposed, the greater the risk of developing liver fibrosis.

PERC is a chemical that used to be found in household products, such as spot removers, furniture stripper, adhesive glues, suede protectors, spray-on water repellents, but is being phased out. It is also commonly used in dry cleaning of clothing, and it has 10 years to phase out. It will continue to be used in a number of industrial settings, for example, as a degreaser. Tetrachloroethylene (PERC) is a volatile organic compound (VOC).

Liver fibrosis is the buildup of tough scar tissue in the liver resulting from chronic inflammation and persistent damage. Unfortunately, over time this scarring can progress to liver failure or liver cancer.

Bottom line: Avoid products with PERC. The danger is in inhaling the chemical's fumes or getting it on your skin (contact with the chemical). Nowadays PERC is mainly used in industrial settings (resulting in occupational exposure). It is being phased out in consumer products and dry cleaning because it is a carcinogen (cancer causing).

From Science Daily: Hidden household toxin triples liver disease risk, study finds

Liver disease most often develops due to one of three major causes: excessive alcohol use, the buildup of fat in the liver associated with obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol, or viral infections such as hepatitis B and C.

Researchers from Keck Medicine of USC have identified another potential cause of liver damage. A new study published in Liver International links tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a chemical widely used in dry cleaning and found in household products like adhesive glues, spot removers, and stainless steel polish, to serious liver harm. ...continue reading "Chemical Exposure Linked to Liver Scarring"

Published on Leave a comment on Microplastics Found In Higher Levels In Prostate Cancer Tumors
Credit: Wikipedia

Microplastics are turning up everywhere in our environment, including us. A recent small study found microplastics in 90% of human prostate cancer tumors, and at much higher levels than in nearby healthy tissue.

The tumor samples contained about 2.5 times more plastic than nearby healthy prostate tissue. This led the researchers to suggest that microplastic exposure may be a risk factor for prostate cancer. This is because chronic inflammation is considered a risk factor for the development of cancer.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles (smaller than 5 millimeters) that occur as plastics get worn down, degrade, or get heated. They get into the air, water, soil, and throughout the environment. The particles are so small that after they are inhaled or ingested (in our food and water), they travel to the lungs, blood, and organs. The health effects of plastic particles in our bodies are still mainly unknown, but so far studies are finding oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.

From Science Daily: Microplastics found in 90% of prostate cancer tumors, study reveals

A new study has found tiny plastic particles in nine out of 10 men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Researchers also discovered that these microplastics were present at higher concentrations in cancerous tumors than in nearby noncancerous prostate tissue. ...continue reading "Microplastics Found In Higher Levels In Prostate Cancer Tumors"

Published on Leave a comment on Tires Are A Source Of Microplastics In Urban Air

There is much concern over the amounts of microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment, especially since they are turning up wherever we look. Including inside human bodies (e.g., the brain, blood, lungs, our bones), with mainly unknown health effects. A recent study found that an important source of microplastics and nanoplastics in urban air (in heavy traffic areas) comes from vehicle tires.

This occurs from tire abrasion - tires get worn down when vehicles are driven and also when braking occurs, and the tire abrasion particles get released into the air. In this study, they accounted for about 65% of the total plastic particles in the air in a heavy traffic area in Leipzig, Germany. Microplastics are smaller than 5 mm, and nanoparticles are even smaller (smaller than 1 micrometer).

According to the researchers, residents spending 24 hours a day in the high traffic area would inhale approximately 2.1 micrograms of plastic particulates per day, which is about 0.7 milligrams per year. So far it other studies find that this can result in oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory reactions in the lungs.

From Phys.org: Microplastics and nanoplastics in urban air originate mainly from tire abrasion, research reveals

Although plastic particles in the air are increasingly coming into focus, knowledge about their distribution and effects is still limited. Chemical analyses from Leipzig now provide details from Germany for the first time: Around 4% of the particulate matter consists of plastic. Around two-thirds of this comes from tire abrasion. ...continue reading "Tires Are A Source Of Microplastics In Urban Air"