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Naphthalene exposure may increase risk of chromosomal aberrations in children

According to a new study, children exposed to high levels of the common air pollutant naphthalene are at increased risk for chromosomal aberrations (CAs), which have been previously associated with cancer. These include chromosomal translocations, a potentially more harmful and long-lasting subtype of CAs.

30 May 2012

Increased risk of breast cancer associated with working night shifts

Working night shifts more than twice a week is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, finds a long term study published online in Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

29 May 2012

Exposure to toxic flame-retardant chemicals may be higher in underserved children

Environmental health advocates responded to the new Duke University-led study of 83 North Carolina toddlers, published today in Environmental Health Perspectives, suggesting exposure to potentially toxic flame-retardant chemicals may be higher in non-white toddlers than in white toddlers.

24 May 2012

PTH boosts AMPs to fend off infection-causing microbes

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are molecules produced in the skin to fend off infection-causing microbes. Vitamin D has been credited with a role in their production and in the body's overall immune response, but scientists at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine say a hormone previously associated only with maintaining calcium homeostasis and bone health is also critical, boosting AMP expression when dietary vitamin D levels are inadequate.

24 May 2012

The truth about chocolate: does it really contain flavonoids?

There have been many news stories over the years about chocolate and whether it is good or bad for you. The stories often comment on a chemical constituent of chocolate: flavonoids. But what are flavonoids? Does chocolate even contain them? And why should we care if it does?

18 May 2012

More teenagers and young adults diagnosed with skin cancer

With summer just around the corner, pediatricians at Johns Hopkins Children's Center are sounding the alarm on a disturbing trend: A growing number of teenagers and young adults diagnosed with skin cancer.

8 May 2012

Aristolochic acid exposure leads to kidney failure and UUC

Aristolochic acid (AA), a component of a plant used in herbal remedies since ancient times, leads to kidney failure and upper urinary tract cancer (UUC) in individuals exposed to the toxin.

10 Apr 2012

Exposure to arsenic can turn normal stem cells into cancer stem cells

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have discovered how exposure to arsenic can turn normal stem cells into cancer stem cells and spur tumor growth. Inorganic arsenic, which affects the drinking water of millions of people worldwide, has been previously shown to be a human carcinogen.

4 Apr 2012

Study identifies specific chemical in smokeless tobacco products that induces oral cancer

The chemical (S)-N'-nitrosonornicotine, or (S)-NNN, which is present in smokeless tobacco products, is a strong oral carcinogen, according to results presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2012, held here March 31 - April 4.

2 Apr 2012

Victoria’s Goldfields region linked to higher risk of cancer

University of Melbourne's Dr Dora Pearce is urging for more testing of soil and water in central Victoria's Goldfields region to address the possible threat of cancer caused by arsenic. She has worked on research examining the link between elevated levels of arsenic caused by historic gold mining and cancer in the region.

25 Mar 2012

Air emissions near natural gas drilling sites may contribute to health problems

In a new study, researchers from the Colorado School of Public Health have shown that air pollution caused by hydraulic fracturing or fracking may contribute to acute and chronic health problems for those living near natural gas drilling sites.

19 Mar 2012

Exposure to MEHP shortens reproductive life of female mice

Female mouse fetuses exposed to very high doses of a common industrial chemical that makes plastics more pliable develop significant reproductive alterations and precancerous lesions as they grow up, according to a new toxicology study conducted at Brown University.

17 Mar 2012

IDS, AADA disappointed in postponement of vote by Idaho on indoor tanning bed legislation

The Idaho Dermatology Society (IDS) and the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) are disappointed in the postponement of the vote by the Idaho House of Representatives on House Bill 486, which would ban the use of indoor tanning beds by minors under the age of 18.

5 Mar 2012

Diesel exhaust fumes linked to lung cancer among miners

It has been known that diesel exhaust may be a probable carcinogen. But the 20-year study from the National Cancer Institute took a closer look in the Diesel Exhaust in Miners Study, which followed 12,315 miners working in eight underground nonmetal mining facilities. Data were collected on the miners' health and exposure to various elements and chemicals from the time when the mine company first introduced diesel-powered equipment (between 1947 and 1967) until the end of the study in 1997. They breathed varying levels of exhaust from diesel-powered equipment, levels higher than the general population encounters.

4 Mar 2012

Heavy DE exposure may increase risk of dying from lung cancer

Heavy diesel exhaust (DE) exposure in humans may increase the risk of dying from lung cancer, according to two papers released March 2nd by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

3 Mar 2012

Study to make pesticide, methyl iodide safer

In 2007, a controversial pesticide was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use on fruit and vegetable crops, mainly in California and Florida. Farm workers and scientists protested the approval of the pesticide because its active ingredient, methyl iodide, is a known carcinogen.

1 Mar 2012

Work place carcinogens responsible for 5,000 cases of cancer annually

According to researchers carcinogens in the workplace are causing about 5,000 cancers each year and medical experts say not enough is being done to reduce the risks.

21 Feb 2012

400 lipsticks found to contain too much lead and could be harmful

Reuters first reported that a new study conducted by the FDA found that 400 lipsticks on the market tested positive for lead, according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition that advocates for safer cosmetics and hygiene products.

15 Feb 2012

IKBKE protein plays two roles in tobacco-related NSCLC

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla., have discovered that the immune response regulator IKBKE (serine/threonine kinase) plays two roles in tobacco-related non-small cell lung cancers. Tobacco carcinogens induce IKBKE and, in turn, IKBKE induces chemotherapy resistance.

10 Feb 2012

Grand Challenges Canada announces 15 grants to support rising stars in global health

Grand Challenges Canada today announced 15 grants valued in total at more than $1.5 million awarded to some of Canada's most creative innovators from across the country in support of their work to improve global health conditions.

10 Feb 2012