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Nicotine e-cigarettes reduce harmful chemical exposure, help smokers quit

A new study found that switching to a nicotine e-cigarette reduces toxicant exposure and improves quitting rates, with the nicotine group having a higher chance of quitting entirely. The study's results suggest that nicotine e-cigarettes could serve as an effective off-ramp for smokers seeking to reduce their tobacco use.

SourcePenn State·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 19, 2026

Vaping zebrafish suggest E-cigarette exposure disrupts gut microbial networks and neurobehavior

A study published in Science of The Total Environment found that e-cigarette exposure alters gut microbiota composition and affects neurobehavior in zebrafish. The researchers observed disruptions in the gut microbiome, with reduced microbial network stability and altered community composition, suggesting potential health risks.

SourceKyushu University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2026

Formaldehyde releasers found in common personal care products

A new study reveals that over half of Black and Latina women reported using personal care products with formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, highlighting critical safety gaps in product regulation. The study found that these chemicals are present in a wide range of products, including shampoo, lotions, and eyelash glue.

SourceSilent Spring Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2025

Companies quietly switching out toxic product ingredients in response to California law

A new study by Silent Spring Institute reveals how California's Proposition 65 law has driven companies to reformulate products, reducing the use of toxic chemicals and promoting safer consumer goods. The research found that companies prioritize eliminating Prop 65 chemicals altogether to avoid warnings and litigation.

SourceSilent Spring Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2025

Benzoyl peroxide acne drugs lack stability and degrade into carcinogenic benzene including when kept at room temperature, new study

A new study found that benzoyl peroxide acne treatments lack stability and degrade into carcinogenic benzene when exposed to heat, UV light, or stored at room temperature. Refrigeration may be a practical solution to minimize unnecessary exposure until safer formulations are developed.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2024

Nearly 200 potential mammary carcinogens found in food contact materials: new study highlights regulatory shortcomings

Researchers have identified nearly 200 potential breast carcinogens in food contact materials, including plastics and paper, highlighting widespread exposure despite existing regulation. The findings emphasize the need for stronger preventative measures to reduce these chemicals in everyday products.

SourceFood Packaging Forum Foundation·JournalFrontiers in Toxicology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2024

E-cigarette use and lung cancer screening uptake

A cross-sectional study found that e-cigarette users were less likely to undergo lung cancer screening. The research suggests that e-cigarettes contain carcinogens and may cause similar gene deregulations as combustible tobacco. This association may be particularly concerning for individuals who have quit smoking combustible cigarettes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 2, 2024

Exposure to common environmental carcinogens decreases lifespan happiness

Researchers from Osaka University found that exposure to environmental carcinogens and psychological distress decrease emotional wellbeing in Japanese people, with a 0.0064-year decrease for radon and 0.97 years for psychological distress. The study suggests that reducing exposure to these chemicals can help promote longer, happier lives.

SourceOsaka University·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 1, 2024

More than 900 chemicals, many found in consumer products and the environment, display breast-cancer causing traits

Scientists have discovered a way to predict breast cancer risk based on specific chemical traits, identifying over 900 chemicals that could contribute to the disease. These chemicals are commonly found in consumer products, food, and workplaces, and can alter hormones or damage DNA.

SourceSilent Spring Institute·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2024

UC Study: Thirdhand smoke may harm children

A recent University of Cincinnati study found nicotine and a potent carcinogen called NNK on surfaces in children's homes, highlighting the persistence of thirdhand smoke pollutants even in homes with voluntary indoor smoking bans. The research emphasizes the importance of protecting children from tobacco exposure.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateJan 8, 2024

CBD shows promise for reducing cigarette smoking

Researchers at Washington State University found that CBD inhibits a key enzyme for nicotine metabolism, slowing down its effects and allowing smokers to wait before feeling the urge to smoke. The study suggests that CBD could be a useful tool in reducing harm from smoking and quitting nicotine addiction.

SourceWashington State University·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateFeb 16, 2023

Cancer-causing pollutants in the global food chain exceed EU safety limits in 90% of the studied areas

A study found that nearly 90% of areas studied had cancer-causing dioxins and PCBs in free-range eggs exceeding EU regulatory food limits. Eggs are a major pathway for human exposure to toxic chemicals, and contaminated sites include industrial waste incinerators and plastic burning sites.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEmerging Contaminants·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 16, 2022

New research in JNCCN encourages harnessing health technology to help cancer patients quit smoking

A new study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (JNCCN) found that incorporating the Electronic Health Record-Enabled Evidence-Based Smoking Cessation Treatment (ELEVATE) program into electronic health records can significantly improve smoking cessation rates among cancer patients. The research demonst...

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

Exposure to wildfires increases risk of cancer

A new study from McGill University finds that people living near regions prone to wildfires may have a higher incidence of lung cancer and brain tumors. Exposure to carcinogenic wildfire pollutants on a chronic basis increases the risk of certain cancers, according to researchers.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 9, 2022

Unlined waste disposal pits endanger groundwater in San Joaquin Valley

A new study by PSE Healthy Energy reveals that over 16 billion barrels of oil and gas wastewater were disposed of in unlined pits, contaminating regional aquifers with salts and toxins. The Tulare Basin, home to four million people, is at risk due to a lack of regulatory protections for groundwater near these disposal sites.

SourcePSE Healthy Energy·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 15, 2021

A grape constituent protects against cancer

Scientists at UNIGE discovered that resveratrol, a molecule in grape skin and seeds, can prevent lung cancer in mice treated with a nasal formulation. The study showed a 45% decrease in tumor load and a higher concentration of resveratrol in the lungs after nasal administration.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 3, 2018

E-cigarettes and tobacco product use linked to increased risk of oral cancer

A study published at the International Association for Dental Research found that e-cigarette users, especially those who also use combustible tobacco, are exposed to high levels of carcinogens similar to exclusive cigarette smokers. Non-cigarette tobacco product users are also at risk due to comparable exposure levels.