Category: Poisoning
Some US protein powders contain high levels of lead. Can I tell if mine is safe?
This week, the United States non-profit Consumer Reports released its investigation testing 23 protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes from popular brands to see if they contained heavy metals.
More than two-thirds of the products contained more lead in a recommended serving size serving than the Californian guidlines recommend in a day: 0.5 micrograms (mcg or µg).
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The growing fad of ‘microdosing’ mushrooms is leading to an uptick in poison control center calls and emergency room visits
Microdosing involves the ingestion of small quantities of psychoactive mushrooms, less than a regular dose and not in sufficient quantities to induce a “trip” or psychedelic experience, but to boost mood, creativity, concentration or productivity.
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TOXIC CHEMICALS MAY BE HIDING IN MAKEUP – A DISCOVERY MADE THANKS TO COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN LOCAL RESEARCH
Kohl, kajal, and surma are traditional eyeliners worn by adults and children in local immigrant and refugee communities, including the local Afghan community. These eyeliners may contain toxic chemicals such as lead, which can damage the brain, heart, and other parts of the body.
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HOW TO REDUCE EXPOSURES TO TOXIC CHEMICALS IN YOUR HOME
Many household items can contain toxic chemicals, including cleaning products, personal care products, pesticides, insecticides, and paints.
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From the cinnamon challenge to ‘dragon’s breath’ – here’s what you need to know about social media’s most dangerous trends
Social media challenges can range from bizarre, hilarious to downright dangerous – it seems there’s no limit to what some people will do for likes.
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What is ‘fried rice syndrome’? A microbiologist explains this type of food poisoning – and how to avoid it
A condition dubbed “fried rice syndrome” has caused some panic online in recent days, after the case of a 20-year-old who died in 2008 was resurfaced on TikTok.
“Fried rice syndrome” refers to food poisoning from a bacterium called Bacillus cereus, which becomes a risk when cooked food is left at room temperature for too long.
The 20-year-old college student died after reportedly eating spaghetti that he cooked, left out of the fridge, and then reheated and ate five days later. Although death is rare, B. cereus can cause gastrointestinal illness if food isn’t stored properly. Here’s what to know and how to protect yourself.
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Acetaminophen overdose is a leading cause of liver injury, but it is largely preventable
Acetaminophen is in more than 600 products, including many over-the-counter pain and cold remedies, is a leading cause of acute liver injury, which can be fatal without a rescue liver transplant. With millions around the world using acetaminophen every day, why are so few people aware of the dangers of overdose?
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Oleandrin is a deadly plant poison, not a COVID-19 cure
All parts of the plant are poisonous. If eaten, it causes cardiac arrhythmias, or irregular heart rates, and can be lethal to both humans and animals.
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Deathcap Mushroom Season is here: Mushroom foragers should take extreme care
Watch out, mushroom foragers. Fall rains bring blooms of Amanita phalloides, better known as the death cap mushroom. They are common in Western Washington.
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