All articles tagged with #health risks
A pulmonologist warns that wellness influencers’ claims about nicotine boosting cognition and longevity aren’t supported by solid human evidence. While nicotine can temporarily improve attention, it carries addiction and health risks, and suggested benefits for protecting against cognitive decline lack robust data.
Nicotine pouches have surged as a discreet, caffeine-free productivity aid, popular with wellness influencers and professionals who say they get a quick focus boost. Some users report daily or near-daily use, sometimes pairing with caffeine, while researchers warn that nicotine is addictive and long-term safety data are limited, with potential cardiovascular and oral health risks. The evidence for sustained cognitive benefits is unclear, and experts urge caution as people weigh short-term gains against unknown long-term harms.
A Washington Post health explainer reviews current cannabis use trends (noting that more than 21% of Americans 12+ used cannabis in the past year and that older adults are the fastest-growing user group) and summarizes what scientists now know about the health risks and uncertainties of light to moderate cannabis use.
Experts warn that disinfectants aren’t a substitute for cleaning: dirt and grease shield germs, so surfaces should be scrubbed with soap and water first and disinfectants must remain wet on the surface for 1–10 minutes to be effective. Disinfecting is mainly needed after food preparation or when someone is ill. Overuse or misuse of disinfectants—especially quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs)—can pose health risks (inflammation, immune/reproductive effects) and environmental harm, and may contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Safer options include soap and water, sanitizers for high-touch items, and less-toxic cleaners like alcohol (70%), hydrogen peroxide, citric/lactic acids; avoid mixing chemicals and always follow label instructions. Dry steam is another chemical-free alternative for killing germs.**
Alcohol is deeply woven into social life, but expanding evidence shows it increases cancer risk and harms across body systems, with even low-level drinking potentially raising risk. The World Health Organization classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, and public health guidance has shifted—yet many remain unaware of the risks, and recent dietary guideline changes drew criticism for downplaying harms. The piece argues for clearer warnings and broader cultural change to reduce addiction, injuries, and health burdens associated with alcohol.
Vitamin D deficiency affects about 35% of Americans and is linked to higher risk or worse outcomes for several conditions, including depression, dementia, heart disease, and pneumonia, among others. Some research suggests that adequate intake or supplementation may help reduce risk or improve outcomes, but the first step is a simple vitamin D level test guided by a healthcare provider, as supplements are not medicines and should be used cautiously.
A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found beer contains measurable vitamin B6, but the amounts are modest and do not justify health-boosting claims; typical servings provide only a fraction to a minority of daily B6 needs, and there’s no evidence of brain benefits. Foods like potatoes, legumes, and fortified cereals supply B6 safely and more reliably. When accounting for alcohol’s well-established risks (liver disease, cancer) and methodological issues in observational data, any potential benefits are small at best. Media framing and marketing can mislead, underscoring that moderation or avoidance remains the safer public health stance.
A 19-year-old from Wolverhampton who began vaping at 13 was hospitalized with a collapsed lung, which doctors linked to his vaping. He even vaped in the hospital before doctors explained the cause, after which he quit the habit and hopes his story warns other teens about the health risks of vaping.
Bubble tea, once a colorful favorite, may carry health risks beyond its sweetness: some tapioca pearls (made from cassava) can accumulate lead, the pearls’ density can slow digestion or cause blockages, and there are links between high sugar intake and obesity, diabetes, and dental issues; rare cases tie pearl consumption to kidney stones and choking hazards, while some studies note associations with anxiety and mood effects. Health experts urge moderation and recommend treating bubble tea as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit, even suggesting sipping directly from the cup to reduce choking risk.
A December 2025 study in Environmental Science & Technology finds that aerosols from e-cigarettes can become chemically reactive after lingering in indoor air, forming organic hydroperoxides and radicals; ultrafine particles concentrate redox-active metals like arsenic, tin, and lead, creating a “chemical cocktail” that may raise respiratory health risks for bystanders. The researchers urge treating vaping emissions like secondhand smoke and reducing indoor exposure, aligning with global policy debates and bans on vaping.
Allegations dubbed 'Penisgate' claim some ski jumpers injected hyaluronic acid into their penises to inflate body measurements used for regulated ski-suit sizing, potentially increasing lift; the World Anti-Doping Agency is reviewing the claims. Medical experts warn such injections carry serious risks, including pain, infection, and possible tissue damage, and the investigation will determine whether athletes tried to game the measurement process.
As cannabis use climbs among people over 65, Stanford Medicine experts warn that today's high-potency products may raise risks for heart disease, cognitive decline, falls, and drug interactions, while research remains limited by federal legal constraints. About 30% of regular cannabis users may develop cannabis use disorder, and patients should discuss use with a healthcare provider to weigh benefits against potential harms and consider safer alternatives, especially for those with chronic conditions or on other medications. FDA-approved cannabis-related drugs exist for specific conditions, but cannabis as medicine lacks broad approval.
A graphic visualization explains what happens during a 36-hour fast: the body shifts from burning stored glucose to fat via ketosis, autophagy begins as nutrients run low and cellular repair accelerates after 24 hours, with peak autophagy around the 36-hour mark. The piece also notes health risks for certain individuals, stresses medical supervision, and cites studies suggesting limited eating windows may carry long-term risks.
A Telegraph investigation shows aggressive ads for testosterone replacement therapy on the London Underground, pushing the idea that many men have low testosterone. Experts say such claims exaggerate prevalence, and using TRT without medical need can raise health risks like blood clots, strokes, infertility and addiction. Regulators (ASA, MHRA) are reviewing industry practices after past advertising breaches, and a study from Imperial College London notes a surge in online clinics promoting testosterone treatment with insufficient diagnostic testing. A first-person piece by a journalist who tested his own levels found normal results, underscoring that not all men need TRT and urging caution against internet-driven hype.
A study published in BMC Genomics found that microplastics from polyethylene terephthalate (PET)—common in plastic water bottles—caused dose‑dependent changes in pig pancreatic cells, including altered protein abundance and increased fat accumulation and inflammation, suggesting potential pancreatic disruption in humans with PET exposure. While not yet proven for people, the findings add to concerns about microplastics and support policies to curb plastic usage and promote alternatives like reusable bottles.