Latest news with #XRF
The Guardian
17-04-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Toothpaste widely contaminated with lead and other metals, US research finds
Toothpaste can be widely contaminated with lead and other dangerous heavy metals, new research shows. Most of 51 brands of toothpaste tested for lead contained the dangerous heavy metal, including those for children, or marketed as green. The testing, conducted by the Lead Safe Mama non-profit, also found concerning levels of highly toxic arsenic, mercury and cadmium in many brands. About 90% of toothpastes contained lead, 65% contained arsenic, just under half contained mercury, and one-third had cadmium. Many brands contain a number of the toxins. The highest levels detected violate some federal and state limits in the US, though the thresholds have been roundly criticized by public health advocates for not being protective – no level of exposure to lead is safe, the federal government has found. 'It's unconscionable – especially in 2025,' said Tamara Rubin, Lead Safe Mama's founder. 'What's really interesting to me is that no one thought this was a concern.' Lead can cause cognitive damage to children, harm the kidneys and cause heart disease, among other issues. Lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic are all carcinogens. Rubin first learned that lead was added to toothpaste about 12 years ago while working with families that had children with high levels of the metal in their blood. The common denominator among them was a brand of toothpaste, Earthpaste, that contained lead. Last year she detected high levels in some toothpaste using an XRF lead detection tool. The levels were high enough to raise concern, and she crowdfunded with readers to send popular brands to an independent laboratory for testing. Among those found to contain the toxins were Crest, Sensodyne, Tom's of Maine, Dr Bronner's, Davids, Dr Jen and others. So far, none of the companies Lead Safe Mama checked have said they will work to get lead out of their product, Rubin said. Several sent her cease-and-desist letters, which she said she ignored, but also posted on her blog. Some companies have defended themselves, often claiming that lead is found in trace levels throughout the environment and is impossible to avoid. Others have said the levels Rubin found are not concerning. The federal Baby Food Safety Act of 2024, which is stalled in Congress, called for lead limits in kids' food or personal care products like toothpaste of five parts per billion (ppb). California's limit on lead in baby food is two ppb, but it does not include toothpaste. Most toothpastes exceeded those thresholds. The FDA's current lead limit for children is 10,000 ppb, and 20,000 ppb for adults. None exceeded the FDA limits. The state of Washington recently enacted a law with 1,000 ppb limits – several exceeded that and have been reported, Rubin said, but companies have time to get in compliance with the new rules. The FDA did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did Crest's parent company, Procter & Gamble. Rubin said the contamination seems to lie in some ingredients added to toothpaste, including hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate and bentonite clay. Hydroxyapatite is extracted from cow bone and added because it allegedly helps teeth absorb calcium, though Rubin said she doubts it does. Calcium carbonate is added to help remove stains from teeth. Bentonite clay is a cleaning agent. Those with the highest levels all had bentonite clay. Meanwhile, Rubin's testing of hydroxyapatite and calcium carbonate as individual ingredients showed concerning levels of lead and other metals, suggesting those are the source. Several children's toothpastes, like Dr Brown's Baby Toothpaste, did not test positive for any metals and did not contain the ingredients in question.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Should You Investigate XRF Scientific Limited (ASX:XRF) At AU$1.84?
XRF Scientific Limited (ASX:XRF), might not be a large cap stock, but it saw significant share price movement during recent months on the ASX, rising to highs of AU$2.15 and falling to the lows of AU$1.72. Some share price movements can give investors a better opportunity to enter into the stock, and potentially buy at a lower price. A question to answer is whether XRF Scientific's current trading price of AU$1.84 reflective of the actual value of the small-cap? Or is it currently undervalued, providing us with the opportunity to buy? Let's take a look at XRF Scientific's outlook and value based on the most recent financial data to see if there are any catalysts for a price change. View our latest analysis for XRF Scientific The stock seems fairly valued at the moment according to our valuation model. It's trading around 7.4% below our intrinsic value, which means if you buy XRF Scientific today, you'd be paying a fair price for it. And if you believe that the stock is really worth A$1.98, then there isn't much room for the share price grow beyond what it's currently trading. Furthermore, XRF Scientific's low beta implies that the stock is less volatile than the wider market. Investors looking for growth in their portfolio may want to consider the prospects of a company before buying its shares. Although value investors would argue that it's the intrinsic value relative to the price that matter the most, a more compelling investment thesis would be high growth potential at a cheap price. XRF Scientific's earnings over the next few years are expected to increase by 31%, indicating a highly optimistic future ahead. This should lead to more robust cash flows, feeding into a higher share value. Are you a shareholder? It seems like the market has already priced in XRF's positive outlook, with shares trading around its fair value. However, there are also other important factors which we haven't considered today, such as the financial strength of the company. Have these factors changed since the last time you looked at the stock? Will you have enough conviction to buy should the price fluctuates below the true value? Are you a potential investor? If you've been keeping tabs on XRF, now may not be the most advantageous time to buy, given it is trading around its fair value. However, the positive outlook is encouraging for the company, which means it's worth diving deeper into other factors such as the strength of its balance sheet, in order to take advantage of the next price drop. So while earnings quality is important, it's equally important to consider the risks facing XRF Scientific at this point in time. For example - XRF Scientific has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of. If you are no longer interested in XRF Scientific, you can use our free platform to see our list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Benz Commences Maiden Drill Program at Glenburgh
HIGHLIGHTS Maiden drill program set to commence at the 100% owned Glenburgh Gold Project, with drill rig mobilisation underway and drilling scheduled to start end of this week with highly regarded drilling contractor, TopDrill. Drilling to target high-grade extensions at Zone 126 and Apollo (Figures 1 to 4) following up hits including:1 8m @ 11.6g/t Au from 187m - VRC1076 28m @ 5g/t Au from 156m - VRC0580 24m @ 9.1g/t Au from 127m - VRC0535 14m @ 8.9 g/t Au from 227m - VRC0578 Close spaced orebody knowledge drilling planned at Icon deposit to provide detailed geological and grade insights to guide upcoming resource model updates. Drill program to run throughout February and March 2025, supporting resource growth in a tier-1 gold jurisdiction. Geological reinterpretation underway, incorporating learnings and geological insights from high-grade metamorphic terrain deposits including the world class Tropicana gold deposit. Historical drill pulps are undergoing XRF multielement analysis to assist in refining orebody modelling. Geological mapping and structural re-logging of all available core has commenced. An updated mineral resource estimate is anticipated H2 2025 following the completion of the maiden drill program and in-depth geological reinterpretation. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2025) - Benz Mining Corp. (ASX: BNZ) (TSXV: BZ) (Benz or the Company) is pleased to announce the commencement of its maiden drill program at the 100% owned Glenburgh Gold Project in Western Australia. The drill rig is scheduled to mobilise to site at the end of this week, with drilling operations expected to continue throughout February and March 2025. Benz CEO, Mark Lynch-Staunton, commented: "We're thrilled to hit the ground running at Glenburgh, launching our maiden drill program just weeks after completing the acquisition. This is a major step forward for Benz as we focus on unlocking the full potential of this exciting gold project. "The drill program is designed to target high-grade gold extensions at key areas such as Zone 126 and Apollo, where historical results have shown exceptional gold grades. With gold prices near all-time highs and a bullish forecast ahead, the opportunity to leverage these conditions through high-grade resource expansion has never been better. "We are confident this program has the potential to deliver meaningful results, supporting strong resource growth in a tier-1 gold jurisdiction. We look forward to keeping the market updated as the campaign progresses." Figure 1: Plan view of Glenburgh Gold Project. Black polygons delineate the focus areas of this upcoming 2025 Maiden drill program. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Figure 2: Looking north, split long section of mineralised system at Glenburgh (yellow) showing key high-grade gold target extension areas. Drilling will focus on extending the projected eastern shallow plunge of the overall mineralised system. Additional targets are currently being developed to test extensions under Zone 102 and Shelby deposits. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Figure 3: Zone 126 Long Section. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Figure 4: Zone 126 cross section. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: This announcement has been approved for release by the Board of Benz Mining Corp. For more information please contact:Mark Lynch-StauntonChief Executive OfficerBenz Mining Corp.E: mstaunton@ +61 8 6143 6702 About Benz Mining Corp. Benz Mining Corp. (TSXV: BZ) (ASX: BNZ) is a pure-play gold exploration company dual-listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and Australian Securities Exchange. On 6 November 2024, Benz announced a binding agreement to acquire the Glenburgh and Mt Egerton Gold Projects in Western Australia from Spartan Resources Limited (ASX: SPR), which was completed on 14 January 2025 and marks a transformational step, establishing Benz as a multi-jurisdictional gold exploration company with a focus on unlocking value in underexplored assets. The Glenburgh Project features a Mineral Resource Estimate of 16.3Mt at 1.0 g/t Au (510,100 ounces of contained gold)2. A technical report prepared under NI 43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Glenburgh - Egerton Gold Project, Western Australia" with an effective date of 16 December 2024 has been filed with the TSX Venture Exchange and is available under the Company's profile at Benz's key point of difference lies in its team's deep geological expertise and the use of advanced geological techniques, particularly in high-metamorphic terrane exploration. The Company aims to rapidly grow its global resource base and solidify its position as a leading gold explorer across two of the world's most prolific gold regions. The Company also owns the Eastmain Gold Project in Quebec, with a NI 43-101 and JORC (2012) compliant mineral resource of 1,005,000 ounces at 6.1g/t Au3, showcasing Benz's focus on high-grade, high-margin assets in premier mining jurisdictions. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: For more information, please visit: Competent Person's Statement (JORC Code) The Mineral Resource Estimates for the Eastmain Project and the Glenburgh Project were previously reported in accordance with Listing Rule 5.8 on 24 May 2023 and 6 November 2024, respectively. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcements and confirms that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the Estimates continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcements. The information in this announcement that relates to historical exploration results for the Glenburgh Project was first reported to the ASX in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.7 on 6 November 2024. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcement. Historical Mineral Resource Estimates All mineral resource estimates in respect of the Glenburgh Project in this news release are considered to be "historical estimates" as defined under NI 43-101. These historical estimates are not considered to be current and are not being treated as such. These estimates have been prepared in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves prepared by the Joint Ore Reserves Committee of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Council of Australia (JORC Code) and have not been reported in accordance with NI 43-101. A qualified person (as defined in NI 43-101) (Qualified Person) has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources. A Qualified Person would need to review and verify the scientific information and conduct an analysis and reconciliation of historical data in order to verify the historical estimates as current mineral resources. Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward looking statements" (collectively Forward-Looking Information) as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, disclosure regarding the acquisition of the Glenburgh and Mt Egerton projects as well as certain tenements adjacent thereto and the anticipated benefits thereof, planned exploration and related activities on the Glenburgh and Mt Egerton projects. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases or variations of such words and phrases or statements such as "anticipates", "complete", "become", "expects", "next steps", "commitments" and "potential", in relation to certain actions, events or results "could", "may", "will", "would", be achieved. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that the tenements associate with the Glenburgh and Mt Egerton projects that are still pending grant or undergoing the renewal process will be granted and/or renewed, as applicable, in the timely manner and on reasonable terms, and all conditions precedent to completion of the acquisitions will be satisfied, in a timely manner; the Company will be able to raise additional capital as necessary; the current exploration, development, environmental and other objectives concerning the Company's Projects (including Glenburgh and Mt Egerton) can be achieved; and the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions, and operations. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions referred to prove not to be valid or reliable, that occurrences such as those referred to above are realized and result in delays, or cessation in planned work, that the Company's financial condition and development plans change, and delays in regulatory approval, as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at and Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. The Forward-looking information in this news release is based on plans, expectations, and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE. Appendix 1: Schedule of Tenements for the Glenburgh and Egerton Projects Tenement Number Grant/ Application Date Expiry Date Status Registered Holder Glenburgh Project E09/1325 29.03.2007 28.03.2025 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd E09/1764 09.05.2011 08.05.2025 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd E09/1865 19.12.2011 18.12.2025 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd E09/1866 19.12.2011 18.12.2025 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd E09/2025 07.02.2014 06.02.2026 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd E09/2148 15.09.2016 14.09.2026 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd E09/2352 26.02.2019 N/A Pending Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd E09/2730 04.07.2023 03.07.2028 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd L09/56 02.07.2014 01.07.2035 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd L09/62 02.12.2014 01.12.2035 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd M09/148 10.02.2014 09.02.2035 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd M09/181 31.03.2021 N/A Pending Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd Mt Egerton Project E52/2117 20.11.2008 19.11.2024 Live Egerton Exploration Pty Ltd E52/2515 11.02.2010 11.02.2026 Live Egerton Exploration Pty Ltd E52/3574 06.11.2017 05.11.2027 Live Egerton Exploration Pty Ltd E52/3756 11.02.2020 10.02.2025 Live Egerton Exploration Pty Ltd E52/3894 05.01.2021 04.01.2026 Live Egerton Exploration Pty Ltd M52/343 11.11.1992 10.11.2034 Live Egerton Exploration Pty Ltd M52/567 02.08.1995 01.08.2037 Live Egerton Exploration Pty Ltd 1 Refer to ASX Announcement dated 6 November 2024: "Benz To Acquire WA Gold Projects from Spartan Resources"2 Indicated: 13.5Mt at 1.0g/t Au for 430.7koz; Inferred: 2.8Mt at 0.9g/t Au for 79.4koz3 Indicated: 1.3Mt at 9.0g/t Au for 384koz; Inferred: 3.8Mt at 5.1g/t Au for 621koz To view the source version of this press release, please visit
