New York, NY -- December 19, 2007. Americans are constantly bombarded with alarming news about the dangers of the everyday products they encounter as consumers. In order to shine light on the health fear frenzy portrayed by the media, the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH) has published The Top Ten Unfounded Health Scares of 2007, a roundup of the most frightening and prominent -- but groundless -- health scares in the media this year. Highlights include debunking major health scares such as cancer-causing red meat, "toxic" lipstick, and poisonous rubber duckies.
"There are too many instances of preliminary studies being reported as if they are the final word, but studies must be replicated before we can have confidence in their results," said Dr. Ruth Kava, Director of Nutrition for ACSH.
"ACSH hopes this list of health scares -- and the science which shows they are bogus -- will alert consumers to be wary of the health scares that will inevitably be launched in 2008," stated ACSH president Dr. Elizabeth Whelan. She continued, "Bogus health scares distract our attention from the real threats around us -- so beware."
Since its founding in 1978, ACSH has been dedicated to providing scientifically sound health information to American consumers. A large part of that mission has been to help the public assess health risks and reduce fears about the many exaggerated or unscientific health scares often presented in the media.
Contact:
Dr. Elizabeth Whelan, 212-362-7044 x235, whelane[at]acsh.org
Dr. Ruth Kava, 212-362-7044 x234, kavar[at]acsh.org
The American Council on Science and Health is an independent, non-profit consumer education organization concerned with issues related to food, nutrition, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, lifestyle, the environment and health. Its websites include Riskometer.org, which ranks major health risks and provides supporting statistics.