MORNING DISPATCH 8/15/08: Strokes, Risks, Babies, Cancer
Mice develop cancer after being predisposed to it
A new study alleges that common skin creams cause tumors in mice -- but only mice bred to be prone to skin cancer that were pre-treated with high levels of UV radiation. "They applied the creams after purposely making the mice susceptible to skin cancer," says ACSH's Dr. Ruth Kava. "So is it the cream or the pretreatment?"
She agrees with Dr. Karol Sikora, Medical Director of Cancer Partners UK, who said, "This is a pretty artificial situation with the mouse skin primed by a lot of UV light to develop cancer." For now, Dr. Kava says, the best advice to be learned from this study is, "If you have mice that have been out in the sun a lot, don't put moisturizers on them."
Smoking increases risk of stroke, even in young women
Young women who smoke are much more likely to have a stroke than nonsmokers. Those who smoked 21 to 39 cigarettes (between one and two packs) per day had a stroke risk 4.3 times higher than nonsmokers. The risk jumped to 9.1 times higher than nonsmokers for those who smoked over two packs (40 cigarettes or more) per day.
The study focused on women from 15-49 years of age, prompting Dr. Kava to suggest another risk factor: "That is the prime age range for women to be taking birth control pills, and it has been known for a long time that the combination of cigarettes and birth control pills increases a woman's risk of blood clots. If those clots occur in the brain, you've got a stroke."
Risks must be put in perspective
Car accident fatalities reached an all-time low last year, while the number of deaths from motorcycle accidents rose. "These numbers are from 2007 so they cannot be linked to the fact that people are currently driving their cars less due to high gas prices," says ACSH's Jeff Stier. "But if gas prices remain high, we may see a continuation of this trend."
Even with the decrease in fatalities, driving remains a risky activity; however, many people continue to be more scared of relatively low-risk activities like flying than they are of driving. "People have a hard time putting risk into context, which is one the main reasons that baseless health scares receive so much attention," Stier says.
The latest example of a "risk" we've lost perspective on is the phthalate and lead ban, which President Bush signed into law this week. "From a public health perspective, the law is meaningless," says Stier, who wrote an op-ed in the New York Post on the topic. "The 90 parts per million lead level it mandates in toys is unnecessarily low. No children got sick from toys containing the previous legal lead level of 600 parts per million."
ACSH believes we should be focusing on the real source of childhood lead poisoning -- chipped paint in dilapidated apartment buildings. For more advice on how to put risks in perspective, see ACSH's Riskometer.
Babies still need time on their tummies
More and more babies are not spending enough time lying on their stomachs because their parents are adhering too closely to the advice that infants should sleep on their backs. "Parents were told to keep babies on their backs when they're asleep. Some may over-interpret this advice to mean they shouldn't let babies lie on their stomachs at all -- which is not true," Dr. Kava says.
Not enough tummy time can result in a deformed head, tight neck muscles, or a neck muscle imbalance because babies can't practice raising themselves up onto their elbows to look around. "This story is another example of parents taking a recommendation to the extreme," Dr. Kava believes.
Colorectal cancer's genetic element at least partly identified
Researchers have identified a genetic abnormality that makes a person almost nine times more likely to develop colorectal cancer. "If you have a family history of the disease, you might want to consider getting tested for this genetic variant," Dr. Kava advises. While this new information about colorectal cancer may prove useful as the science continues to emerge, it doesn't change the fact that people with a family history of the disease should already be extra vigilant about getting tested for it.
MORNING DISPATCH 8/14/08: Infections, Facelifts, Less Alcohol, More Radiation
Lawsuits and Medicare ensure that infections will cost hospitals
ACSH Trustee Dr. Elizabeth McCaughey wrote an op-ed in today's Wall Street Journal about preventable hospital infections and their rising costs. "Until recently, infection was considered an unavoidable risk," she writes. "But now there is proof that nearly all hospital infections are avoidable when doctors and staff clean their hands and rigorously practice proper hygiene and other preventive measures" -- meaning that patients who contract a hospital infection can expect to be compensated if they sue that hospital for such complications.
"We at ACSH often speak out against lawsuits based on junk science, but lawsuits over preventable illnesses and deaths are quite appropriate and will provide hospitals with incentives to reduce infections," says ACSH's Jeff Stier.
Medicare is also sending hospitals a strong message that preventable infections are unacceptable by no longer reimbursing hospitals for treating them, and "Hospitals will be barred from billing patients for what Medicare doesn't pay, forcing them to take a loss," Dr. McCaughey explains. ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross agrees with Dr. McCaughey's endorsement of this new policy, saying, "It will be a strong incentive for hospitals to ramp up their hygienic and sanitary practices."
Facelifts inspire smokers to quit
Quitting smoking is a difficult task for which many people need support, advice, and motivation -- all of which is being supplied by some plastic surgeons, many of whom refuse to operate on smokers.
Smoking exposes the circulatory system to many toxic substances, some of which might contribute to smokers' increased risk of complications after procedures that require skin to be shifted, such as facelifts, tummy tucks, and breast augmentations and reductions. One theory holds that smokers have an increased risk of infections and long-lasting scars after these procedures because nicotine reduces blood flow to the skin by causing blood vessels to constrict. (For other lesser known effects of smoking, see ACSH's publication Cigarettes: What the Warning Label Doesn't Tell You.)
"Not being able to get plastic surgery is apparently a big motivator to quit smoking," says ACSH's Dr. Ruth Kava. Dr. Alan Gold, the president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, told the New York Times, "When someone hears this from an internist or cardiologist who says [smoking is] really bad for you...people tend to blow that off if they're feeling well...With plastic surgery it's a little bit different. People are desirous of an elective procedure, and that's their main objective in coming in. It's something they truly want."
Dr. Ross, who wrote an op-ed encouraging doctors to talk to their patients about smoking, says, "internists and general practitioners often do not tell their smoking patients to quit and do not give them advice on how to do so." According to the New York Times, however, some plastic surgeons "take it upon themselves to devise smoking cessation plans, prescribe drugs like Wellbutrin or Chantix, and recommend hypnotists or support groups."
Patients undergoing elective surgery also have time on their side; while heart surgeons must often operate immediately regardless of a patient's smoking history, plastic surgeons can set a timetable for how long a patient needs to be off cigarettes before various procedures. ACSH always urges smokers to quit, whatever their motivation may be.
Americans are drinking up less often
Americans are drinking less alcohol than in the past, but the number of alcohol-related disorders remains unchanged. "Maybe the people who are drinking less were already moderate drinkers, while binge drinkers have not been affected," Dr. Kava says. Consumption of beer is down, while people are drinking significantly more wine -- perhaps because of its touted health benefits.
Unsurprising facts make boring news stories
We weren't surprised in the slightest by two "news" stories today. The first chronicles the link between heart disease and retinopathy, a type of eye damage common in diabetics that often signals problems in the patient's small blood vessels. "What's happening in the small vessels of the eye is happening in the rest of the body too, especially in diabetics," Dr. Ross explains. "You could probably say any problem related to the blood vessels is an indicator of heart disease, and it would be true."
We were even more underwhelmed by a story about how radiation can treat tumors that have spread. "I don't understand what's new about the fact that radiation can help slow down, and sometimes reverse, the spread of cancer," says Dr. Kava. "Why else have we been using it to treat cancer patients for years?"
MORNING DISPATCH 8/13/08: Vaclav Klaus, Prince Charles, Fat Kids, and Breast Cancer
Honorary seat at the table goes to Vaclav Klaus
We would like to offer a seat at the ACSH breakfast table to Czech president Vaclav Klaus for his sensible veto of a tough European Union chemical regulation. "There is no reason to further toughen legislation in this field. People are not endangered by chemicals," he said. "[The law] amounts to full subjugation of the whole chemical industry." We're glad President Klaus listens to the science and not the scares.
Prince Charles denies the benefits of scientific progress -- again
England's Prince Charles has spoken out yet again against genetically modified crops and other scientific advances, accusing scientists and corporations of conducting a "gigantic experiment...with nature and the whole of humanity, which has gone seriously wrong." ACSH's Jeff Stier says, "This is a new installment of celebrity vs. science, with Prince Charles on one side and Dr. Norman Borlaug on the other."
Central to Prince Charles' anti-science stance is his opinion that the world's food supply should be grown on small, organic farms. But ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross counters, "If we broke up every large farm into micro-farms, people would starve around the world."
This isn't the first time Prince Charles has made his backward-looking opinions known. Dr. Ross wrote an op-ed in 2000 criticizing the Prince for arguing that spirituality, rather than science, should guide our development and that biotechnology amounts to "tampering" with nature.
"By calling 'excessive' scientific rationalism an affront to 'the creator,' and stating that science should be used to 'understand how nature works, but not to change what it is,' he seemed to be calling for a reversal of all the accomplishments of mankind, dating back...who knows how far?" Dr. Ross wrote. We hope Prince Charles' most recent attempt to turn back the scientific clock does not hinder Britain's increasing openness to genetic modification research and technology.
A little risk goes a long way
ACSH staffers enjoyed Philip K. Howard's op-ed "Why Safe Kids Are Becoming Fat Kids," published in today's Wall Street Journal. "It deals with the downsides and actual risks associated with our current attempts to keep kids totally safe," says ACSH's Dr. Ruth Kava. The latest uproar is over burns from hot rubber playground matting -- which was initially installed to protect children from falls.
"The headlong drive for safety has indeed created dangers, but not those identified by the safety zealots," Howard writes. "One in six children in America is obese, and many of them will face a lifetime of chronic illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control, this problem would basically cure itself if children engaged in the informal outdoor activities that used to be normal. But how do we lure children off the sofa? One key attraction is risk."
But instead of recognizing that risk helps children learn, grow, and have fun, some parents are actually stepping up their safety crusade, calling for canopies to be installed over the playgrounds to keep out the summer sun. We think New York City parks commissioner Adrian Benepe has a better solution: "A little common sense goes a long way. Children should wear shoes."
After five years, breast cancer recurrence is very low
We were impressed by how low the rate of breast cancer recurrence is after five years of being free of the disease. Women with stage I breast cancer have a 7% chance of the disease recurring after five years, while the rate of recurrence for stage II breast cancer is 11%. Even women with serious stage III breast cancer only have a 13% risk of the disease returning.
"That's really incredible," says Dr. Ross. "And this study only included data up until 2001, so it doesn't even show the impact new drugs like Herceptin and aromatase inhibitors have had on preventing breast cancer from recurring."
MORNING DISPATCH 8/12/08: NYC, FDA, Gardasil, Exercise, and Antibiotics
Seats at the table go to the NYC Health Department and Tara Parker-Pope
We would like to offer seats at the ACSH breakfast table to New York City's Department of Health for its support of vaccines and to New York Times health columnist Tara Parker-Pope for her rational approach to the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening, respectively.
The Health Department issued a press release encouraging all parents to get their children vaccinated before school starts. While news about vaccines often plays into misguided fears, the Health Department reminds us of their importance: "Vaccination is the surest way to protect your child from contagious diseases that still cause outbreaks. This year alone, New York City experienced two dozen cases of measles -- two-thirds of them among children."
Today's "Well" column by Tara Parker-Pope covers the changing recommendations for prostate cancer screening. Many doctors now recognize that screening some men -- especially those over seventy-five -- for the disease does more harm than good by producing false positives, subjecting patients to unnecessary and often unpleasant treatments, and not significantly extending life expectancy. "The article is a simple, cogent, and consumer-friendly explanation of why prostate cancer screening is not the panacea for reducing the toll of this disease," says ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross.
Gardasil scare fails to change facts about the vaccine
ACSH staffers were appalled by an irresponsible Los Angeles Times article about the HPV vaccine Gardasil. "It was an ignorant and misleading piece that promoted unfounded fears about the vaccine," Dr. Ross says. The article focuses on parents' baseless fears of side effects, the vaccine's high price tag, and cervical cancer's limited death toll in the developed world -- all arguments against the vaccine that ACSH staffers find unconvincing and deplorable.
"In fact, Gardasil prevents 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts," Dr. Ross explains. "Insurance usually covers most of the cost, and it will actually save the health care system money in the long run because it will prevent the need for follow-up Pap smears, unnecessary procedures on false positives, and cancer treatments."
ACSH's Jeff Stier easily shuts down the argument that cervical cancer kills many more women in developing countries than in the U.S.: "We should vaccinate young women there, too," he says.
The main side effects the article lists are soreness at the injection site and fainting -- hardly serious or unique to Gardasil. "The author also cites Judicial Watch, which is a socially conservative interest group promoting its false belief that vaccinating girls and women against HPV will increase premarital sex," Dr. Ross explains.
Even after lining up all these overblown "dangers" and "risks" of Gardasil, what does the article conclude, though? "Shots still strongly urged."
More cautious FDA leads to fewer new drugs
The FDA is growing increasingly cautious, resulting in one of the slowest recent years for drug approval. According to CNN, the regulatory body will only approve eighteen new drugs this year. "This issue is under the radar, but it is extremely important to our ability to get new medicines," Stier says.
Dr. Ross adds, "At this rate, our grandchildren are going to have the same set of drugs that we have."
ACSH trustee Dr. Henry Miller tackles the issue in a recent op-ed in Investor's Business Daily. "Risk-aversion is now the rule," he writes. "The officials in the FDA's Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology are focused so narrowly on 'safety' that they ignore the fact that because all drugs have side effects, safety cannot be evaluated in a vacuum but must be part of a cost-benefit judgment."
ACSH addressed this issue in our publication Weighing Benefits and Risks in Pharmaceutical Use: A Consumer's Guide. Paul Howard lends his rational voice to the debate over "blockbuster drugs" here.
Exercise has benefits at any age or size
While running gets a bad rap for supposedly increasing the risk of knee injuries, especially in older people, a new study finds that not only are regular runners more likely to live longer, healthier lives, they also have a decreased risk of all injuries. "It seems counterintuitive that runners are less likely to have knee injuries, but running can improve many problems that can put even more stress on the knees, like obesity and low bone density," points out Stier -- a regular runner himself.
Another study shows that it is possible to be overweight or even obese and still have healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. "The researchers didn't mention the fact that people who are overweight also have increased risk of breast cancer and colon cancer, which aren't correlated to the measures of health they studied," says ACSH's Dr. Elizabeth Whelan.
Stier adds, however, "There are benefits to staying active and eating well even if you don't think you can lose weight."
Have sinusitis? Skip the antibiotics
ACSH staffers were glad to hear that antibiotics are no longer recommended for most cases of sinusitis. "We used to just routinely give antibiotics for infections like bronchitis and sinusitis," Dr. Ross says. "But about ten or fifteen years ago, researchers began to see that outcomes did not change if they gave a patient an antibiotic or not." Not only do antibiotics rarely affect the course of an ordinary headcold, they also carry their own risk of side effects, and their overuse can encourage the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
MORNING DISPATCH 8/11/08: Scared Consumers, Poisoned Eaters, Inherited Smoking, Filtered Water, and Fat
Friends of ACSH take on unfounded health scares
We were impressed by Ronald Bailey's review of Dr. Geoffrey Kabat's book Hyping Health Risks in the Wall Street Journal. Bailey praises Dr. Kabat for taking on the exaggerated dangers attributed to manmade chemicals, electric and magnetic fields, radon, and environmental tobacco smoke, writing, "[he] shows how activists, regulators, and scientists distort or magnify minuscule environmental risks."
Instead of engaging in the usual fearmongering, Dr. Kabat strives to report on how "the highly charged climate surrounding environmental health risks can create powerful pressure for scientists to conform and to fall into line with a particular position." Dr. Kabat himself was criticized by the anti-smoking establishment after publishing a paper with ACSH Trustee Dr. Jim Enstrom about how secondhand smoke is not as dangerous as most anti-smoking activists would have us believe.
Bailey is also connected to ACSH and wrote our recent publication Scrutinizing Industry-Funded Science, which refutes the claim that industry involvement in research automatically invalidates the results. We're glad to see both authors serving as voices of reason once again.
Food poisoning is still a deadly problem
According to an editorial in the Boston Globe, 5,000 Americans die from food poisoning every year, and food poisoning causes a total of 76 million illnesses and 325,000 hospitalizations. "These are really significant numbers," says ACSH's Dr. Elizabeth Whelan. "In comparison, zero people die from phthalates, but we're devoting a disproportionate amount of federal resources to banning them."
ACSH's Dr. Ruth Kava comments, "I think that federal regulations mandating a better traceback system will soon be put into place. Having to rely on incomplete paper records to trace the source of the recent salmonella outbreak really hindered the investigation."
While salmonella has been receiving most of the attention lately, the meat packing company Nebraska Beef Ltd has recalled 1.2 million pounds of beef believed to be contaminated with E. coli. While most of the meat involved in the current recall has not yet reached consumers, the same company recalled another 5.3 million pounds of ground beef last month after forty illnesses were reported. In tandem with the company's actions, Whole Foods has issued its own recall of Nebraska Beef products sold since June 2.
Can you "catch" obesity?
While the causes of the current obesity epidemic are no doubt complex -- and its solutions even more complicated -- two articles published this weekend may shed more light on factors that encourage people to put on excess pounds. One recent study postulates that people are more likely to feel good about their weight if they are as heavy as the people around them -- even if their friends, family, and community are also overweight. "If everyone around you is overweight, you rationalize that it is the norm," Dr. Whelan says.
The results build on a previous study that found obesity could spread through social networks. Families are particularly influential in encouraging people to gain weight -- in the 2007 study, researchers found that siblings of obese people were 40% more likely to become obese, while their spouses' risk increased by 37%.
New evidence adds another familial factor to the mix -- a mother's weight and diet during pregnancy. Children born to women after they have lost significant amounts of weight are less likely to be obese than siblings born before their mother's weight loss. "These findings, as discussed in the cleverly-titled New York Times op-ed "Honey, I Plumped the Kids," suggest that children's risk of obesity may be environmental rather than genetic -- but the results still need to be confirmed by scientific literature," says ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross.
Genes may contribute to nicotine addiction
An intriguing new study suggests that a change in the nicotine receptor gene CHRNA5 makes people far more likely to enjoy their first experience with smoking and remain hooked on tobacco. "The change in the gene causes them to like cigarettes from the start, which can quickly and easily lead to dependency and addiction," Dr. Kava says. Researchers are now working to develop a genetic screen for the CHRNA5 variant, which could potentially warn people whose genetic make-up puts them at increased risk for tobacco addiction.
Your water bottle could save your life
We were impressed by a story about the Lifesaver, a water bottle that filters out almost all pathogens within twenty seconds and makes water from almost any source safe to drink. "What an incredible asset it would be for the military, since soldiers would no longer have to worry about carrying bottled water with them," says Dr. Whelan.
The Lifesaver contains a filter with microscopic pores small enough to trap bacteria and even viruses. "This is a huge breakthrough in technology, especially considering the prevalence of waterborne pathogens," Dr. Whelan believes.
MORNING DISPATCH 8/8/08: Measles, Alzheimer's, Prostate Cancer, Infertility, Terrorism, and Nicole
ACSH says goodbye to Nicole McNeil
Today is summer research intern Nicole McNeil's last day at ACSH. Her help on everything from blood substitute research to the new ACSH Facebook group has been much appreciated. After a well-deserved vacation, she will return for her final year at Williams College. Thank you, Nicole, and we'll miss you!
Britain confronts dwindling vaccination rates -- and possible measles epidemic
British doctors are urging all patients up to age eighteen to receive the full course of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine if they are not already protected. MMR vaccination rates initially dropped after the Lancet published Dr. Andrew Wakefield's now discredited study postulating a link between the common vaccine and autism in 1998 -- and now the country is facing a measles epidemic. There were 1,726 confirmed cases of measles in England and Wales in 2006 and 2007, as opposed to 1,621 cases in the previous ten years put together.
"This is what we've been saying would happen all along," says ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross. "When the Wakefield study was published in a respected journal like the Lancet, it went around the world like wildfire -- despite the fact that it was a terrible study and its conclusion was completely false."
Lancet editor Richard Horton said he published the study to spur debate, an argument that ACSH staffers find deplorable. "Either a journal is going to publish good, respectable science or it isn't," ACSH's Dr. Ruth Kava believes. "The goal shouldn't be to incite controversy."
Just as disturbing as the initial publication of the Wakefield study is the sweeping effect it continues to have. "Even ten years after this disastrous paper was published, there are still parents who are convinced that vaccines cause autism," says ACSH's Dr. Elizabeth Whelan. "We're seeing the dangerous consequences of that misguided belief in England's measles outbreak."
Scientists become targets of violence, but only some countries protect them
ACSH trustee Dr. Henry Miller wrote a chilling piece for the San Diego Union Tribune about violence being perpetrated against scientists who conduct research using animals or experiment with genetically modified crops.
U.S. scientists targeted for their work with animals have received support from their universities and protection from the government, which has classified the violent groups as domestic terrorists. In Germany, however, scientists targeted for their work on genetically modified crops have received much less protection.
"Instead of supporting the scientists and attempting to stop the violence, the German authorities want the scientists to stop doing the research," ACSH's Jeff Stier explains. Vandals in Germany and France have destroyed field trials of genetically modified plants, and one German researcher was attacked while trying to protect his experiment.
"It's unfortunate when individual investigators feel they must withdraw from controversial experiments to protect themselves, but it's completely unacceptable for university and government officials to cave to threats and violence," says Dr. Ross.
Early prostate cancer is more difficult to detect in obese men
The most common screening test for prostate cancer may not be effective for obese men, increasing their risk of developing an aggressive form of the disease because it was not detected early. The widely used test measures levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood, but as Dr. Whelan says, "Researchers think that obese men's increased blood volume may dilute their PSA readings."
Doctors are proposing alternative screening methods or a lower threshold for worrisome PSA levels for obese men; however, the latter could potentially result in more false positives. "This situation is another troublesome consequence of obesity we're encountering now," says Dr. Whelan. ACSH will address many of those consequences in an upcoming publication about the manifold health effects of obesity, which will be available this fall.
Heart disease linked to diminished cognitive function
Middle-aged adults with heart disease are more likely to develop cognitive problems, even relatively early in life. "This is just another reason to be vigilant about detecting and controlling heart disease," says Dr. Whelan.
The link between heart and brain function may provide some insights into why statins may be helpful for treating Alzheimer's, although as Dr. Ross points out, "Alzheimer's patients don't seem to have circulation problems in their brains to any greater extent than their age-matched peers, so it's hard to link the disease to cholesterol problems. But statins' hypothesized effectiveness against Alzheimer's could have something to do with their ability to prevent an inflammatory cascade."
Efficacy of infertility treatments questioned
We were surprised that two common infertility treatments did not help women with unexplained fertility problems conceive. In a recent study, the drug clomiphene citrate (marketed by Sanofi Aventis as Clomid) and artificial insemination proved to be only about as effective as trying to conceive naturally. "It's a shock that these have been used as standard treatments for decades and their efficacy had never be tested," Dr. Whelan says.
"In the case of Clomid, it seemed intuitive that a drug that encouraged the production of ova would increase fertility," Dr. Ross explains. "While the recent study was quite small and should be repeated as a larger trial, its conclusion is a good example of why we should make sure to have study data before we become convinced a drug works just because it seems logical that it would."
Should beauty parlors educate clients about strokes?
We find it bizarre that some beauty shop employees are now being trained to warn their clients about the risks and warning signs of a stroke. "It seemed more logical for beauty parlor and barbershop employees to join the fight against melanoma, since they can inspect skin you can't see," remarks Dr. Whelan. "But I would think it was pretty odd if I went to get my hair blow-dried and someone started lecturing me about the signs of a stroke."
MORNING DISPATCH 8/7/08: The Fat, the Mentally Ill, the Hormone-Free, the STD-Carrying, and the Dead
Quote of the day
"I believe it's just catering to ignorance to tell people it's BST-free and it's better for you." --Elena Gosner, a dairy farmer in Everson, WA. From the New York Times article "Monsanto To Sell Off Hormone Business."
FBI "solves" anthrax case, but not everyone is convinced
The FBI released its evidence linking Dr. Bruce Ivins to the deadly anthrax letters mailed in 2001, declaring the case solved. While the evidence is compelling, most of it is circumstantial and leaves room for continued skepticism, especially since the case will never be brought to trial due to Dr. Ivins' recent suicide. "What if Steven Hatfill had committed suicide after he was declared to be a suspect?" asks ACSH's Jeff Stier. "Would we have closed the case then?"
Other ACSH staffers are more convinced by the FBI's evidence, which includes years of e-mail correspondence illustrating Dr. Ivins' increasingly paranoid and delusional mental state. "He had access to the specific strain of anthrax, was clearly -- although intermittently -- psychotic, and had motivation," says ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross. "I think it was him."
Stier raises another concern the Ivins case has brought to light, saying, "I think we should be worried about how such a mentally ill person got such high security clearance in the first place."
Hyperbolic headline detracts from the fight against obesity
We weren't sure whether to laugh or cry at the headline "All U.S. Adults Could Be Overweight in 40 Years." While obesity is certainly a problem in this country, resorting to hyperbole is not an effective way of encouraging change. "The worst way to get a message across in public health is exaggeration," says ACSH's Dr. Elizabeth Whelan. "People just laugh and stop taking you seriously."
The study claims that if current trends continue, all Americans will be overweight by 2048. But even one of the researchers, Dr. Lan Liang of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, said the results were based on the "big assumption" that those trends will continue unchanged for decades. "Genetically, physiologically, it should be impossible" for 100% of U.S. adults to become overweight, she added. "This is really intended as a wake-up call to show what could happen if nothing changes."
This "ends justify the means" approach that gives a free pass to junk science in the name of a noble cause reminds Stier of the willingness of anti-smoking activists to exaggerate the dangers of secondhand smoke to make their point. "In both cases, it seems that science doesn't matter as long as you support the public health goal," he says.
Infant deaths may be linked to cold medicines
Over-the-counter cold and cough medicines are not safe for children under two, a warning underscored by a new study linking at least ten infants deaths in Arizona to use of the medications. While the data are limited, and none of the deaths were proven to have been caused by the drugs, the study should inspire parents to be cautious.
"The fact is that these over-the-counter medications don't actually do much good, even in adults," says Dr. Ross. "They definitely shouldn't be given to young children, for whom they almost certainly do more harm than good."
UK approves over-the-counter status for Chlamydia treatment
We were surprised by the news that the antibiotic Clamelle, which is used to treat chlamydia, will now be available over the counter in Britain. (The drug, azithromycin, is known as Zithromax in the U.S.) "Won't people still have to see a doctor to be diagnosed?" wonders ACSH's Dr. Ruth Kava.
Individuals interested in buying the drug will still need to provide proof they have chlamydia, either in the form of a test from a doctor or clinic or as the results of a postal test kit. Those who have had sexual partners who have tested positive for the infection will be able to receive the treatment without being officially diagnosed.
MORNING DISPATCH 8/6/08: Ducks, Wales, Bans, Chips, and Calories
Rubber duckies take to the river
The annual Million Dollar Duck Race will take place this evening in New York City, with thousands of rubber ducks "racing" down the East River from the Brooklyn Bridge to South Street Seaport. The event will raise money for the Special Olympics New York branch, reminding us just how useful (and fun!) phthalates can be.
Smoking bans must be supported by sound science
Smoking bans are often seen as a miracle cure for all public health woes -- but while they undoubtedly make life more pleasant for us nonsmokers, their actual health effects are hotly debated. Longtime anti-smoking advocate (and new ACSH Advisor) Dr. Michael Siegel takes issue with studies that claim miraculous results shortly after indoor smoking bans are instituted, saying, "There is enough solid science about the health effects of secondhand smoke that we do not need to resort to shoddy science to support our international call for workplace smoking bans."
He worries that some anti-smoking advocates may be "cherry-picking" their data and focusing only on studies that support their pre-determined conclusions, which could damage their cause's (not to mention public health's) credibility in the long run. As an example, he juxtaposes two conflicting studies: one that found reductions in acute coronary syndrome and secondhand smoke exposure after Scotland's indoor smoking ban went into effect, and another that observed no change in the number of heart attacks in Wales after a similar ban was instituted there.
Dr. Siegel says the Wales study was based on more accurate data and provides a more complete picture of the short-term effects -- or lack thereof -- of indoor smoking bans. He points out, however, "This did not stop anti-smoking groups from claiming that the smoking ban in Wales led to a reduction in heart attacks." This is not the first time science has been distorted to exaggerate the dangers of secondhand smoke -- ACSH's Jeff Stier covered another instance last fall.
ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross believes the results of the Scotland study shouldn't be dismissed, pointing out, "Researchers measured cotinine levels to determine exposure to secondhand smoke, which lends credence to the study; however, other studies on the issue have been conducted very poorly."
ACSH's Dr. Elizabeth Whelan agrees with Dr. Siegel's call to focus on science instead of ideology. "He's saying 'be honest,'" she remarks. "There is enough solid data on the dangers of tobacco smoke that we should never have to resort to bad science."
LA Times says worrying about acrylamide is a waste of time
We were impressed by a piece on the Los Angeles Times health blog about the recent furor over acrylamide, which culminated in the decision by several potato chip companies to attempt to lower levels of the chemical in their products.
At high doses, acrylamide is a rodent carcinogen -- but as the article explains, that shouldn't be enough to scare you off potato chips: "First off, we've been merrily frying potatoes in our home kitchens for decades. Second, many other foods contain acrylamide -- coffee and olives, to name just two. Third: Links to human cancer haven't been established, and I've sometimes wondered what doesn't cause cancer in a rodent if you toss enough at it."
"This article really focused on common sense," says Dr. Whelan. For more information on the wide array of natural chemicals on your plate, see ACSH's Holiday Dinner Menu.
Inaccurate calorie counts may inspire lawsuits
Unfortunately, we weren't surprised to hear that the calorie counts posted in New York City restaurants aren't always accurate and that, as a result, some consumers may follow the precedent set in Seattle and begin suing on the grounds of false advertising. "Talk about unintended consequences," says ACSH's Dr. Ruth Kava.
But Stier believes that the city may have actually anticipated lawsuits when it passed the law requiring chain restaurants to post calorie counts on their menu boards. "The city may be relying on a bounty hunter approach to enforcing accuracy," he says. The possibility of lawsuits aside, we are interested to see how the new law affects restaurant sales of certain items over the next few months.
MORNING DISPATCH 8/5/08: Amanda Peet on Vaccines, Herberman on Phones, Brody on Coffee, PSAs
Honorary seat at the table goes to Amanda Peet
We would like to offer a seat at the ACSH breakfast table to actress Amanda Peet, who is working with the American Academic of Pediatrics and Every Child By Two to encourage childhood vaccinations. On Good Morning America, she spoke about researching vaccine safety after her daughter was born, saying, "The more I learned, the more I realized how much misinformation there is about vaccines."
Peet also urged parents to listen to doctors, rather than celebrities like her. "It seems that the media is often giving celebrities and actors more authority on this issue than they are giving the experts," she said. "I know it's a paradox, but that's part of why I wanted to become a spokesperson, to say to people, 'Please don't listen to me. Don't listen to actors. Go to the experts.'"
ACSH recently explored how star power can eclipse or distort science in the publication Celebrities vs. Science. "It's ironic that it took a celebrity to tell us not to listen to celebrities," remarks ACSH's Jeff Stier, while ACSH's Dr. Ruth Kava believes, "It's refreshing that there is finally someone with face recognition saying something that makes sense about vaccines."
ACSH's Dr. Elizabeth Whelan adds, "We hope this will set a precedent for other celebrities to speak out in favor of science. While we should never mistake their statements for expert opinions, it helps to have them as spokespeople."
Cell phone cancer scare rankles scientific community
We applaud The Cancer Letter's incisive article criticizing the recent warning about cell phones and cancer issued by University of Pittsburgh's Dr. Ronald Herberman. ACSH staffers share the surprise of many scientists who can't believe such a respected physician has chosen to align himself with Devra Lee Davis' Center for Environmental Oncology and issue a public health warning about a nonexistent threat.
"Scaring the nation based on 'early unpublished data' that can't be examined by the entire medical and scientific community is generally not a good idea," says Dr. David Gorski, a surgical oncologist at Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society, argues, "I am afraid that if we pull the fire alarm, scaring people unnecessarily, and actually diverting their attention from things that they should be doing, then when we do pull the fire alarm for a public health emergency, we won't have the credibility for them to listen to us."
The article also quotes physicists who point out that the type of radiation emitted by cell phones could never cause cancer due to fundamental laws of physics. The abundance of factually incorrect statements made by Davis raises serious questions about her credibility. "Everything she says is shown to be wrong," says ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross. "She even blames factual mistakes she made on a case of the stomach flu. Isn't she embarrassed to speak in public in this way?"
Screening elderly men for prostate cancer ruled unnecessary
We were pleasantly surprised to hear that the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force has officially recommended that men over seventy-four not be screened for prostate cancer. "This is a major, major change," says Dr. Whelan, while Dr. Kava remarks, "The medical establishment is finally catching up to us."
While prostate cancer is the second-leading cancer killer in men (after lung cancer), the benefits of screening older patients are slim at best. Their shorter life expectancy renders some treatments unnecessary and even dangerous, while a higher rate of false positives among elderly patients may encourage the use of invasive treatments they do not need.
"While most doctors recommend prostate cancer screenings for men between the ages of fifty and seventy-five, medical care must always be individualized," Dr. Ross says. "If a person has less than a ten-year life expectancy, you shouldn't screen them. But if a seventy-five-year-old man is healthy and can be expected to live into his nineties, it might still be worth it. On the other hand, if a sixty-year-old man has congestive heart failure, the priority should not be screening him for prostate cancer."
Debunking coffee myths
Jane Brody takes on myths about coffee and caffeine in today's Science section of the New York Times. We especially appreciate her effort to set the record straight about caffeine's effects on hydration and urination. Drinks with fewer than 550 milligrams of caffeine do not increase urination and are hydrating. (For reference, a Starbucks grande coffee contains 330 mg of caffeine.) "We've been saying this for a long time," says Stier. It is refreshing to see a sensible line taken on the hot-button issue of coffee consumption.
MORNING DISPATCH 8/4/08: Anthrax, Acrylamide, and HIV
Anthrax investigation raises more questions than it answers
The FBI is trying to close the case of Dr. Bruce Ivins, the government scientist who committed suicide after learning he would soon be indicted for the 2001 anthrax mailings, as quickly as possible. "We were left out of this completely -- they were zooming in on this man and we didn't know anything about it," says ACSH's Dr. Elizabeth Whelan. "This is a major public health issue, and it needs to be solved scientifically. I am appalled that the FBI is saying it is going to close the case."
Wanting more details doesn't mean that we think Ivins was innocent: ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross points out that Dr. Ivins had a history of mental disorders; in fact, Dr. Ivins' psychologist stated that he spoke threateningly of mass murder and may have even tried to poison people in the past. "With his psychotic history, the theory that he committed suicide because of the pressure of the FBI investigation [rather than guilt] doesn't hold water for me," Dr. Ross says. "My theory of the attacks has always been that it was a scientist who wanted to call attention to our susceptibility to bioterrorism."
While most of the evidence against Dr. Ivins is believed to be circumstantial, the FBI says that new DNA tests linked the strain of anthrax sent through the mail to Dr. Ivin's office at Fort Detrick's Army medical lab. "If they made a specific DNA match of the murderous anthrax to his lab and no others, that would be more than circumstantial," says Dr. Ross.
Dr. Whelan reminds us, however, that several of Dr. Ivins' colleagues are convinced that he did not have the skills, means, or resources to turn the liquid anthrax he worked with at Fort Detrick into the dry powder that was mailed to members of the media and Congress. The FBI already mishandled this case in its earlier pursuit of Dr. Steven Hatfill, and Whelan worries it may have done so again in the case of Dr. Ivins.
ACSH staffers agree with the Wall Street Journal editorial that asserts, "The FBI cannot be allowed to close the case and declare victory. Public accountability is crucial because it relates to how we should respond to future biological or chemical attacks." Dr. Whelan concurs, saying, "We need more information. The FBI needs to present its evidence before closing the case."
Acrylamide falls victim to precautionary principle's double standard
Frito-Lay and two other potato chip companies agreed to reduce levels of acrylamide in their products as part of a settlement with the state of California. "Acrylamide is formed when you bake or fry high-starch foods," Dr. Whelan explains. "It causes cancer in rodents, but when myriad substances around us do the same, why must these food companies spend countless dollars to reduce the levels of this one?"
Although acrylamide is a naturally occurring substance, Dr. Ross believes it is being subjected to the kind of scrutiny that food additives usually attract under California's Proposition 65. As ACSH's Jeff Stier argues in a Washington Times op-ed, "natural," "healthy" products are often tacitly exempted from the precautionary principle; for example, even though soy was recently found to lower sperm counts, no one is demanding that it be taken off our plates. We suspect the assault on potato chips is linked to their status as junk food -- and to Frito-Lay's deep pockets.
HIV infection rates found to be higher than previously thought
The CDC announced that the number of new HIV infections each year in the United States is 40% higher than it previously believed. "Instead of 1.1 million HIV sufferers in this country, it's closer to 1.5 million," says Dr. Ross. Men who have sex with men account for 53% of all new infections, and African-Americans and Hispanics are also disproportionately affected by the virus.
The increase in the estimated number of new HIV infections was the result of more sophisticated testing, not a sudden spike in prevalence. In fact, infection rates have remained relatively stable since the late 1990s. "The pie chart looks the same, it's just bigger," explains Dr. Ross.
Disturbingly, the CDC has known these revised numbers since October of last year and blames the peer review process for slowing down publication. "The CDC waited an unacceptably long time to announce the revised numbers, and there's very little excuse for that," Dr. Ross believes. "They are opening themselves up to claims that a political agenda stalled the announcement."
Dr. Whelan is frustrated that there are still so many new HIV infections each year, even though "we know so much about how the disease is transmitted and we've tried to communicate that information."
Unfortunately, ACSH's Dr. Ruth Kava says, "There are still so many people who just don't think about these things."
MORNING DISPATCH 8/1/08: Radio Spot, Exercise Pill, Stomach Cancer, Anthrax, Flu, Potassium
Dr. Whelan appears on BNN
ACSH President Dr. Elizabeth Whelan was interviewed yesterday about baseless health scares on Business News Network, a Canadian TV channel specializing in business news and analysis. She has already received positive feedback from viewers who were glad to hear a voice of common sense and reason on the news, with one calling her "a breath of fresh air."
"It seemed to hit a nerve with people," Dr. Whelan says.
Could a pill really provide couch potatoes with a workout?
We were amazed at the amount of attention received by a story about the possibility of replacing exercise with a pill. Researchers found that certain drugs increased endurance and improved muscle tone in mice, essentially by tricking their muscles into behaving as if they had undergone vigorous exercise. "It doesn't make biological sense to apply this to humans, but it's amazing how this concept could be so appealing," says Dr. Whelan.
ACSH's Dr. Ruth Kava points out, "If there weren't so many couch potatoes in this country, this probably wouldn't be such a big deal." ACSH's Jeff Stier believes that while those opposed to the idea of getting something for nothing will certainly argue against this research, it could be promising in the future -- especially for people who are too frail to exercise or who suffer from decreased muscle mass due to, for instance, AIDS-related wasting or anti-retroviral treatments.
"But then what would happen to 'no pain, no gain?'" jokes Dr. Kava. "We would have to find new clichés."
Antibiotics may prevent stomach cancer
New research finds that certain antibiotics can help prevent stomach cancer from returning after surgery. The drugs target the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which is associated with ulcers and stomach cancer. "Twenty-five years ago, it seemed very radical to suggest that ulcers and stomach cancer could be connected to bacteria," remembers Dr. Whelan. "Now it's been proven to be true."
While this study focused on preventing cancer recurrence, researchers are curious to see if taking the antibiotics before stomach cancer develops could reduce a person's risk of the disease. "In this country, gastric cancer is a minor problem, but in Japan, where the study was done, it's a huge issue," says ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross. "This research could have real benefits."
Anthrax suspect commits suicide
The biodefense researcher Bruce Ivins committed suicide just as the Justice Department was about to indict him for his involvement in the 2001 anthrax mailings. Ivins was a skilled microbiologist who helped develop an improved anthrax vaccine and even analyzed the white powder sent to a senator's Washington office. In a strange twist of events, it now appears that he may have mailed the lethal substance himself.
Although it is difficult not to view Ivins' suicide as a strong marker of his guilt, Dr. Whelan believes, "It's frustrating that we're never really going to be able to nail it down. Although, if he did do it, the fact that he was such an expert takes away the idea that any ordinary citizen could get her or his hands on anthrax and do the same thing."
Dr. Ross points out, "The fact that he was an expert allowed him to cover his tracks very well -- which other terrorists wouldn't necessarily be as concerned with doing. We can take only cold comfort from this. I wonder what his real motivation was?"
Study contradicts the belief that the flu vaccine prevents pneumonia
A new study produced the unexpected finding that receiving a yearly flu vaccine does not prevent those over sixty-five from developing pneumonia. Pneumonia in older people is often related to influenza, whether through the virus acting in the lungs or because a weakened immune system is more susceptible to other infections.
"Perhaps if you get both the influenza vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against other types of pneumonia, you'd be more protected," says Dr. Ross. "Or maybe giving older people a higher dose of the vaccine would help, since they tend to have a suppressed immune response when compared to younger people."
Dr. Ross believes that the current research on bird flu might help us answer some of these questions. "It's helping us learn more about influenza and especially about the elements of the virus that remain the same from year to year," he says.
Potassium lowers blood pressure but should be used with caution
We weren't surprised to hear that potassium helps lower blood pressure, but we were surprised at what the news left out -- that at high levels, potassium is very dangerous.
"Consuming high levels of potassium can be very dangerous for people with reduced kidney function or circulation problems," says Dr. Ross. "It's one thing to do a well-controlled study on a carefully selected group of people, like these researchers did. But it is irresponsible of them to encourage everyone to increase their potassium intake to prevent cardiovascular disease." Dr. Whelan warns, "It is very important that people don't attempt to self-medicate based on this information."
MORNING DISPATCH 7/31/08: Birth Control, Sun, Kitchen Radiation, Tobacco, Nanotech, and Phones
Birth control attacked as "abortion"
Regulation introduced by the Bush Administration is attempting to classify oral contraceptives and IUDs as abortion methods. "This is another conflation of religion and science," says ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross. The draft regulation states that because birth control pills and IUDs can prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus, they should be considered abortion methods.
"But they're wrong," ACSH's Dr. Ruth Kava says. "Birth control pills prevent ovulation, which means that eggs can't become fertilized in the first place." While the regulation would not affect the legality of the pill or IUDs if passed, it could encourage insurance companies to drop coverage of the contraceptive products and could make it easier for health professionals to opt out of providing them. "If pharmacists don't want to dispense birth control pills, they should find different jobs," Dr. Kava believes.
The dangers of the summer sun
While no one likes a sunburn, one third of Americans get at least one every year. "Once you get sunburned, there's no way to keep it from hurting," says Dr. Kava. While treatments like cool baths, corticosteroid creams, and ibuprofen can help relieve the discomfort of a mild sunburn, there is no way to actually repair the skin damage it causes. Acute sunburns, which can result in severe skin inflammation, peeling, and fever, are particularly difficult to treat.
Prevention remains the best treatment for sunburns, but not all sunscreens are created equal -- and sometimes it's hard to know what you're getting. But new FDA regulations that would mandate more informative labels on sunscreens have been put on hold while the agency deals with comments from the products' manufacturers.
"Right now, sunscreen labels only provide information about SPF, which relates to blocking UVB rays," says Dr. Kava. "But while UVB rays causing burning, UVA rays are the ones that penetrate the skin more deeply and can cause skin cancer." To keep UVA rays from penetrating the skin, one must use other chemicals or physical blocks, which range from long-sleeved clothing and hats to sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Mixed reviews on tobacco laws
We are disappointed that the House overwhelmingly passed the tobacco regulation bill yesterday. The bill does not yet have support from a veto-proof majority in the Senate, and we hope senators consider the science when voting. "There are many reasons why this bill shouldn't pass, but one of the most egregious is its negative effect on investigating and utilizing harm reduction methods like smokeless tobacco and 'clean' nicotine," says Dr. Ross. "These promising technologies have nowhere to go under this bill."
More encouraging health news comes from the _New England Journal of Medicine_, which published a study examining the effects of Scotland's indoor smoking ban. Researchers found that both the risk of acute coronary syndrome and the amount of secondhand smoke (SHS) inhaled by nonsmokers decreased after the ban went into effect.
"Usually these studies claim miraculous results in an impossibly short period of time, but this one is quite well supported," says Dr. Ross. "They back up their findings on heart disease with specific SHS exposure measurements, especially information on decreased levels of cotinine."
Alarmist stories on kitchen radiation scare consumers
The health scare over radioactive granite countertops continues, even though there is no evidence that the extremely low level of radiation emitted by the material is dangerous. "In fact, we at ACSH have learned that a low level of radiation may be beneficial," says Dr. Ross.
Dr. Kava jokes, "Next thing you know they'll be selling Geiger counters with granite countertops." Some ACSH staffers suggested -- perhaps facetiously -- that this story was a product of the imagination of concrete countertop manufacturers.
Could health scares hurt nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology is poised to provide many health benefits in the near future, but baseless scares might keep it from getting off the ground. It is already being compared to genetic engineering by activists who are afraid of both -- mainly because, as one told Reuters, "[the technology is] moving so fast." ACSH's Todd Seavey, who wrote an article about nanotechnology for Reason magazine, says, "It could be the new biotech because Greenpeace is already upset over it." ACSH staffers hope that nanotechnology is indeed comparable to genetic engineering in its ability to improve our health and lives, and that it is allowed to live up to its promise.
Cell phones allegedly linked to behavioral problems in children
A new study claims that frequent cell phone exposure, both in utero and during childhood, might be related to behavioral problems in children. "There's no biological mechanism for why cell phones should cause behavioral problems," says Dr. Ross, who also points out that mothers who used cell phones frequently during pregnancy also had higher rates of mental disturbance and smoking. Dr. Kava suggests that behavioral problems might improve if parents got off the phone and paid attention to their children.
MORNING DISPATCH 7/30/08: CPSC, Chamber of Commerce, Drugs and Cigarettes, Infants, Parasites
Honorary seat at the table goes to CPSC
We would like to offer seats at the ACSH breakfast table to the members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which issued a statement today about the safety of artificial turf. According to CPSC spokeswoman Julie Vallese, "Our message is: go out and play. Parents should not be concerned about harmful levels of lead in artificial turf." We're looking forward to following her advice.
Bill endangers the future of phthalates
We are pleased that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce opposes the version of the CPSC bill that includes a phthalate ban. According to the congressional newspaper The Hill, the Chamber "argued a ban on plastic-softening chemicals commonly used in children's toys was not based on science and that the bill would lead to increased litigation."
The article also quoted Exxon lobbyist Susan Katellus as saying, "While we are disappointed that Congress has placed interim restrictions on the use of DINP in children's mouthing toys, we are pleased that the final safety determination will be left to the scientists at the CPSC." ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross believes, "Unfortunately, in fact, the studies the bill calls for will take at least two years, so by the time products containing phthalates are confirmed to be safe -- as they will be -- everyone will have retooled and there will be no market for them."
ACSH's Dr. Elizabeth Whelan takes issue with the emotionally manipulative headlines on the topic, such as "Protecting the Littlest Consumers" in today's New York Times, which are being used to attract support for the phthalate ban. "They are turning this into a motherhood and apple pie issue, when it should be a scientific one," she says.
Infant mortality is on the rise
A decade-long decline in U.S. infant mortality stalled in 2005, when the rate rose to 6.86 per 1,000 from 6.78 during the previous year. African-American children are twice as likely as white children to die before their first birthday. "The reasons for the different rates in various demographic groups are very complex, but the bottom line is that infant mortality rates were declining and now they're not," says Dr. Ross.
The CDC blames most of the increase on low birth weights and premature births, but Dr. Ross wonders, "Why are those problems suddenly worse than they were in 2004?" He and other ACSH staffers hope these surprising statistics receive the attention they deserve.
Cigarettes and medicines will no longer share shelves in San Francisco
San Francisco plans to ban sales of tobacco products at the city's pharmacies. There were mixed feelings about the measure at the ACSH breakfast table, with Dr. Whelan doubting its efficacy and pointing out that stores that depend on cigarettes for revenue may decide to stop selling medicine rather than pull tobacco products. On the other hand, Dr. Ross maintains, "It sends the wrong message to sell cigarettes and medicine in the same place."
Dr. Ruth Kava concludes, "If it makes it harder or more inconvenient to buy cigarettes, it's okay with me." But ACSH's Todd Seavey believes the measure will likely accomplish nothing other than to allow politicians to get an extra sound bite on the news. "The idea that the government should be in charge of making sure a store with numerous products sends 'one message' is crazy, like saying all the stores in a mall should have the same theme. This is totalitarian."
Mistakes with prescription drugs lead to many deaths
A new study found that the number of people who die because of medication mistakes made at home is on the rise. While powerful painkillers and other strong drugs were previously used primarily in hospitals, they are now being prescribed for home use. Problems most often occur when patients mix their potent prescription medications (as actor Heath Ledger did earlier this year, resulting in his fatal accidental overdose) or take them in tandem with alcohol or street drugs.
"When I've been prescribed pain medicines, there's always a very strong statement from the pharmacy about not taking the drugs with alcohol and staying within the recommended dose," says Dr. Kava. "But unfortunately, there are always going to be people who don't read the instructions or listen to the warnings."
Parasites in swimming pools
Growing numbers of swimmers are being infected with the parasite Cryptosporidium, or "crypto," at public pools. Infected individuals often experience diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and low-grade fevers. Crypto has a hard shell that makes it resistant to chlorine, but as Dr. Whelan points out, "Most swimming pools probably don't have the technology go beyond chlorination."
Because crypto is found in human and animal feces and is easily transmitted in water, swimmers who have had diarrhea are warned to stay out pools for at least two weeks after they recover. Dr. Kava also says, "People need to stop taking babies and diapers into public swimming pools."
MORNING DISPATCH 7/29/08: Tierney, Phthalates, Bones, Dementia, and Swedish Women's Lungs
Honorary seat at the table goes to John Tierney
We would like to offer a seat at the ACSH breakfast table to New York Times science writer John Tierney for his column, "10 Things to Scratch From Your Worry List." He goes after several common fears, including "toxic plastic bottles," "carcinogenic cellphones," and "killer hotdogs" and says "I wouldn't spend a nanosecond of my vacation worrying about any of these ten things." We wouldn't either.
Congress compromises to ban phthalates
The House and Senate finally reached a compromise on the Consumer Product Safety Commission bill, and we are disappointed that it includes a phthalate ban. Three types of phthalates will be permanently banned, while three others will be prohibited pending further study of their effects on children and pregnant women.
"This is the most backwards thinking I've ever heard," says ACSH's Dr. Elizabeth Whelan. "It's a victory of emotion and fear over science and common sense." She points out that phthalates have been in safe use for over fifty years, while their potential replacements have not been studied as rigorously. ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross says, "My guess is that the new products will probably be just as safe and useful as the old ones -- but there's absolutely no reason to go down that path," as an upcoming ACSH paper on phthalates and health will explain.
Lung cancer death rates rise among Swedish women
Lung cancer is now the deadliest form of cancer among women in Sweden, reflecting the country's rising number of women smokers. As ACSH scientific advisor Dr. Brad Rodu brought to our attention, there is a stark difference between the number of women and men who die of lung cancer every year in Sweden; while Swedish men have the lowest death rates from lung cancer in the European Union, Swedish women have the sixth highest. The reason is clear -- women do not use smokeless tobacco as harm reduction as frequently as men do.
Sweden is the only country in the European Union that encourages the use of the smokeless tobacco product snus as a harm reduction measure that helps cigarette smokers quit. "Men are using snus in Sweden more than women are, and they have the lowest lung cancer rates in the developed world," says Dr. Ross. "Swedish women haven't taken to snus as harm reduction as much as the men have, and, lo and behold, their lung cancer rates have gone up." ACSH explored the benefits of using smokeless tobacco as harm reduction in a paper that can be accessed here.
Strong bones linked to breast cancer
A new study suggests that women with high bone density are more likely to develop breast cancer. "This is an example of when good news can be bad news," says Dr. Whelan.
Dr. Ross explains, "Having strong bones is often correlated with being overweight, which can lead to increased estrogen levels that can cause breast cancer." While having strong bones is important, especially as women get older, those who might be at increased risk for breast cancer should make sure to have regular mammograms and speak to their doctors about other prevention measures.
Studying dementia and searching for a treatment
Researchers found that a surprising number of people are afflicted with "pre-dementia," a milder form of mental decline that can lead to Alzheimer's. "The prevalence is much more widespread than we thought," says Dr. Whelan. Five percent of adults between the ages of seventy and eighty-nine who were evaluated developed the condition within a year, and men were about twice as likely as women to develop it.
There is currently no treatment for dementia or Alzheimer's, but two other studies offered promising results. One concluded that statins might reduce the risk of dementia, adding to a long list of conflicting results on whether the cholesterol-lowering drugs promote brain health. The other study pointed to the initial success of a nasal spray designed to target protein tangles that kill nerve cells in the brain. "There is always a big flurry of hope surrounding any potentially positive results for treating Alzehimer's," says Dr. Whelan.
While Dr. Ross is optimistic about the results of the statin study, he points out that the nasal spray trial was extremely small. "I wouldn't hang my neurofibrillar tangles on it," he jokes.
MORNING DISPATCH 7/28/08: Trans Fat Ban, Breast Cancer, Alzheimer's, Cigarettes, and Media
ACSH Actions and Reactions
ACSH staffers are in the news all across the country. The Los Angeles Times published a letter from Dr. Gilbert Ross opposing the L.A. City Council's decision to bar new fast food restaurants from opening in South L.A. for a year. Dr. Ross argues, "Consumers must be provided with information that allows them to make better selections to effectively combat obesity. Being told what to eat by the City Council will not empower anyone to make wise choices or change their preferences."
Dr. Elizabeth Whelan responded to an article about "dangerous chemicals" in air fresheners with a letter in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. She believes that Americans "are in the grip of nosophobia (defined as a morbid dread of illness)," and that "Nosophobia is causing us to abandon safe, useful products of modern technology to avoid phantom risks while obscuring the real risks around us."
On the East Coast, Jeff Stier's op-ed about New York City's Health Bucks program received both positive and negative feedback in the New York Post. One reader shares Stier's concern about "the nanny state," while others still believe that providing green market vouchers is a viable option for completely changing eating habits in poor areas.
Honorary seat at the table goes to ABC News viewers
We were impressed by ABC News viewers' responses to the latest cell phone scare being promoted by Dr. Ronald Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, who claims that excessive cell phone use can lead to brain cancer.
"I think it is totally irresponsible for ABC News to report...that cell phones cause cancer without a shred of new evidence to support the claim. This is fear-mongering at its worst," writes one commenter. Another adds, "Everything just MIGHT give you cancer, I suppose. The thing that's the most bothersome...is this is getting some major coverage!" We hope these reactions mean the public has had it with unfounded health scares.
California bans trans fats
We were disappointed that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed California's trans fat ban into law on Friday. "This is a cascade effect," says Dr. Whelan. "Issues like these gain momentum and then there's just no stopping them."
Dr. Whelan is particularly troubled that no scientists in California spoke out against the trans fat ban. "Everyone is so specialized now that they don't feel they can comment on topics outside their fields, and many of them are afraid to take a controversial stand in the first place," she says. California is the first state to ban trans fats, and we hope the other forty-nine don't follow its lead.
Focusing on the real dangers of cigarettes
An essay in the Chicago Tribune about coping with a lung cancer diagnosis promulgates the myth that cigarettes are harmful because they contain "carcinogenic chemicals" -- not because of the underlying risks of smoking tobacco. "The health risks of smoking are related to the inhalation of combustible material, namely the burning of tobacco and the carcinogenic chemicals it produces," says Dr. Whelan. "The writer should have focused on the real risks of cigarettes, but her belief that other, mysterious "chemicals" are at fault just shows how much misinformation is out there."
Higher mortality rate from breast cancer found in obese women
A new study shows that obese women with breast cancer are more likely to die of the disease than women who have lower body mass indexes. "It's harder to find problems on a mammogram if a women has a lot of excess body fat," which may lead to these patients beginning treatment too late, points out ACSH's Dr. Ruth Kava.
Dr. Whelan says, "Tumors could also be fed by increased estrogen levels in obese women," especially since it has long been known that being overweight is a risk factor for breast cancer occurrence among postmenopausal women.
Hoping -- and paying -- for a cure
A man in Austin, TX is offering $1 billion for a breast cancer cure. Dr. Whelan believes, "His plan raises the question of 'what is a cure?'" Even if a "cure" was found for breast cancer, Dr. Ross reminds us that existing "cures" for various diseases are rarely 100% effective. Dr. Whelan agrees: "His goal is extremely elusive." For now, prevention efforts like early detection and treatment remain the best "cures" for breast cancer.
Studying the link between Alzheimer's and exercise
We were skeptical of a new study concluding that exercise can slow down the progress of Alzheimer's. "Researchers found that people with a higher fitness level had less severe Alzheimer's, but I wonder about their conclusions on cause and effect," says Dr. Ross. "Couldn't it be that people with less severe Alzheimer's were more able to be physically fit?"
Dr. Whelan says, "I worry about people getting their hopes up over every supposed cure for Alzheimer's. Just because exercise is good for you doesn't mean that it can help cure everything."
Elizabeth Wade is a research intern at the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH.org, HealthFactsAndFears.com). Receive ACSH Morning Dispatch in your e-mail in-box each weekday by donating to ACSH and then requesting subscription.