Latest news with #healthrisk
Malay Mail
6 hours ago
- Climate
- Malay Mail
King advises public to protect health amid rising haze levels
KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysiam has advised the public to remain vigilant amid the current dry weather conditions which could increase the risk of fires and haze. His Majesty said the situation could also affect health, particularly among children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory problems. 'The public is advised to take care of their health and monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings from time to time. This is because the hot and dry weather can cause fires to spread rapidly,' His Majesty said in a statement uploaded to the Facebook page of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. His Majesty also decreed that the authorities intensify patrols and monitoring of any open burning activities that could affect the country's air quality. The country is currently experiencing haze, believed to be caused by open burning following the detection of several hotspots in Sumatra, Indonesia, as reported by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). Department of Environment Director-General Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar was reported as saying today that 66 out of 68 air quality monitoring stations nationwide recorded moderate air quality levels as of 9 am. He said the remaining two stations recorded good air quality readings. — Bernama
Fox News
18 hours ago
- Health
- Fox News
Higher cancer rates linked to WWII radioactive waste in Midwestern creek
NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! A Missouri creek has allegedly led to a higher risk of cancer in neighboring residents. Coldwater Creek, a Missouri River tributary north of St. Louis, has been a known radioactive waste site since the 1980s. Researchers have now confirmed that exposure to the creek, which is said to be polluted with nuclear waste from the development of the first atomic bomb, has led to an increased incidence of cancer for people who were children in the area between the 1940s and 1960s. MAN'S DEADLY BRAIN CANCER TUMOR DISAPPEARS AFTER EXPERIMENTAL DRUG TRIAL A study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, which was published in JAMA Network, analyzed the data of 4,209 participants who lived near Coldwater Creek. The data was originally gathered for a previous study on childhood radiation exposure. Participants who lived in the Greater St. Louis area between 1958 and 1972 shared their cancer diagnoses, which allowed researchers to calculate risk based on their proximity to the creek. The researchers found an elevated risk of cancer in a long-term follow-up, with those who lived closest to the creek reporting a higher incidence of most cancers. "The waste from these entities could have huge impacts on people's health, even at lower levels of exposure." In total, 24% of study participants reported having cancer. Of those, 30% lived less than one kilometer away from the creek, 28% lived between one and five kilometers away, 25% lived between five and 20 kilometers away, and 24% lived more than 20 kilometers away. Corresponding author Marc Weisskopf, professor of environmental epidemiology and physiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, commented on these findings in a press release. CHILDREN EXPOSED TO HIGHER FLUORIDE LEVELS FOUND TO HAVE LOWER IQS, STUDY REVEALS "Our research indicates that the communities around North St. Louis appear to have had excess cancer from exposure to the contaminated Coldwater Creek," he said. "These findings may have broader implications — as countries think about increasing nuclear power and developing more nuclear weapons, the waste from these entities could have huge impacts on people's health, even at these lower levels of exposure." This study accompanies Congress' passing of an expanded version of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), as part of President Trump's Big Beautiful Bill. The act will allow Americans, including Coldwater Creek residents, to receive compensation for medical bills associated with radiation exposure, the researchers noted. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Local agencies have become increasingly concerned about cancer prevalence in the area, prompting the push for further research beyond the U.S. government's acknowledgment of the pollution four decades ago. The contamination originally occurred due to the Manhattan Project and Mallinckrodt Chemical Works, which processed and refined uranium in St. Louis, according to the study. The radioactive material was moved out of the major U.S. city and into the more rural area near Coldwater Creek, where it was stored in uncovered drums on the ground and exposed to the elements, allowing contaminants to leach into the nearby creek. The researchers noted that communities downstream from Coldwater Creek had potentially been exposed to the ionizing radiation during recreational activities, such as playing in the creek, and residential activities, like breathing in dust suspended from the soil when gardening. For more Health articles, visit The study did have some limitations, the researchers acknowledged, including its small sample size and reliance on self-reported cancer outcomes. The potential carcinogenic impact of creek exposure warrants further research to confirm the findings, the team concluded. Co-author Michael Leung, PhD, post-doctoral research fellow at Harvard's Department of Environmental Health, reflected on the findings in an interview with Fox News Digital. "Our study found that children in the 1940s to 1960s who lived near Coldwater Creek, which was contaminated by radioactive waste from the development of the first atomic bomb, had a 44% higher risk of cancer compared to those living further than 20 kilometers away," he confirmed. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "Our findings coincide with Congress passing an expanded version of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, and gives further credence to the health concerns of St. Louis area-residents about the contaminated creek," Leung went on. "We hope these findings will support public health measures for affected communities, as well as ongoing efforts to remediate the creek."
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
New study reveals that belly fat is a key measure of health and longevity
Carrying extra fat around your belly, even if you are not overweight, can quietly take away your strength and shorten your life without warning, scientists warns. A recent study found that people with thicker waists compared to their height or hips are more likely to struggle with movement as they age, and face a higher risk of premature death. Researchers said it is not how much you weigh, it's about where you carry it. And belly fat is a major red flag for your body. A team of Italian scientists tested 10,690 adults over six years using a simple sit-and-stand test performed five times from a chair. Dr Elena Levati, the lead researcher and surgeon at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital Foundation in Italy, wrote: 'This can help identify people at risk before more serious problems show up.' The study found that people were 28 per cent more likely to have trouble moving if their waist was wide compared to their hips, and 32 per cent more likely if their waist was too large for their height, regardless of their weight or age. According to a report of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 40.3 per cent of adults in the U.S. classify as obese, which is more than 100 million people. The CDC says that the belly fat, especially the kind that builds up around organs, raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and early death. The study published in Aging focused on two numbers, the waist to hip ration (WHR) and the waist to height ratio (WHtR). Experts note that WHR and WHtR have been used in clinical trials for years to identify risks for heart disease and diabetes. The recent study, however, explored WHtR's link to age-related muscle decline, testing how quickly patient's muscle function deteriorates with aging. Researchers collected participants' waist and hip measurements, had them complete questionnaires about their diet and exercise, and took blood samples to check cholesterol and glucose levels. They discovered that about 71 per cent of men and 53 per cent of women had risky waist-to-height ratios. For waist-to-hip ratios, 61 pe rcent of men and 39 per cent of women had unhealthy scores. During the test, participants were timed as they stood up and sat down from a chair five times. On average, women took 7.9 seconds to complete it, while men took 7.6 seconds, both within the normal range for their age groups. However, the study found that people with larger WHR or WHtR ratios consistently performed worse on this test. Even after adjusting for weight, age, and other factors, these participants were more likely to show signs of declining physical ability. Although a duration longer than 10.8 seconds is typically regarded as a warning sign for frailty or disability, the researchers found that slower performance in individuals with higher belly fat ratios indicates that their muscular function may be compromised, even if they have not yet crossed that danger threshold. Another study published by National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that older adults, with abdominal obesity and low handgrip strength, face twice the risk of death from any cause. This combination highlights accelerated aging and increased vulnerability to weakness, disability, and premature death. Researchers said the root cause of this issue might be the visceral fat, a type of body fat stored deep within the abdominal area, surrounding vital organs like the liver, intestines, and stomach. Since visceral fat wraps around the organs, it has been linked to inflammation, poor muscle quality, and sarcopenia, a condition where muscle strength declines with age. Nearly 50 pe rcent of American adults have unhealthy waist sizes linked to excess abdominal fat, based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. This kind of fat buildup can quietly affect your balance, endurance, and even how your heart and lungs work during exercise, according to the experts. They added that unlike body weight or body to mass index (BMI), which sometimes can be misleading, these waist ratios give a clear picture as someone with normal BMI still can carry dangerous belly fat. The study also found that waist-to-height ratio was a better predictor than waist-to-hip ratio. It was more accurate for both men and women, and worked better regardless of age. In fact, just measuring your waist and comparing it to your height may be the simplest way to know if your future mobility is at risk. The waist-to-height test has another advantage, it is quick, cheap, and does not require a lab or doctor's visit. While the study focused on physical performance, the implications go beyond that. Poor mobility has been tied to higher death rates, hospitalizations, and reduced quality of life. A study published in NIH in 2023 found that older adults with high waist circumference were significantly more likely to develop a disability within five years, even when their overall weight stayed stable.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Regina, Saskatoon see air quality warnings as wildfire smoke blankets Saskatchewan
REGINA — Saskatchewan's two largest cities are among the many communities across the province affected by air quality warnings today. Environment Canada says much of the province is currently dealing with poor conditions, with Saskatoon expected to experience an air quality health index rating of over 10 through Wednesday. The agency also says the provincial capital of Regina is expected to see very high-risk conditions by Tuesday night. The warnings across Saskatchewan come as the province is currently dealing with 49 wildfires, 14 of which are considered not contained. Wildfire smoke is still affecting central and northern Saskatchewan, with Environment Canada saying Buffalo Narrows will see the air quality health index remain at the "very high risk" rating of over 10 heading into Wednesday. Smoke from wildfires is also blanketing Manitoba, with Winnipeg and Brandon forecasted to see an air quality health index rating of over 10 by Tuesday night. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 22, 2025. The Canadian Press Inicia sesión para acceder a tu cartera de valores
Health Line
2 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
Arsenic in Rice: Should You Be Concerned?
Arsenic contamination is a serious concern for the millions of people who rely on rice as their staple food. Young children are also at risk if rice-based products make up a large part of their diet. Arsenic is one of the world's most toxic elements. Throughout history, it has been infiltrating the food chain and finding its way into our foods. However, this problem is now getting worse, as widespread pollution is raising the levels of arsenic in foods, posing a serious health risk. Recently, studies have detected high levels of arsenic in rice. This is a major concern, since rice is a staple food for a large part of the world's population. Should you be worried? Let's have a look. What is arsenic? Arsenic is a toxic trace element, denoted by the symbol As. It is not usually found on its own. Rather, it is bound with other elements in chemical compounds. These compounds can be divided into two broad categories: Organic arsenic: mainly found in plant and animal tissues. Inorganic arsenic: found in rocks and soil or dissolved in water. This is the more toxic form. Both forms are naturally present in the environment, but their levels have been increasing due to pollution. For a number of reasons, rice may accumulate a significant amount of inorganic arsenic (the more toxic form) from the environment. Dietary sources of arsenic Arsenic is found in nearly all foods and drinks, but is usually only found in small amounts. In contrast, relatively high levels are found in: Contaminated drinking water: Millions of people around the world are exposed to drinking water that contains high amounts of inorganic arsenic. This is most common in South America and Asia. Seafood: Fish, shrimp, shellfish and other seafood may contain significant amounts of organic arsenic, the less toxic form. However, mussels and certain types of seaweed may contain inorganic arsenic as well. Rice and rice-based foods: Rice accumulates more arsenic than other food crops, particularly inorganic arsenic, which is the more toxic form. High levels of inorganic arsenic have been detected in many rice-based products, such as: Rice milk. Rice bran. Rice-based breakfast cereals. Rice cereal (baby rice). Rice crackers. Brown rice syrup. Cereal bars containing rice and/or brown rice syrup. Why is arsenic found in rice? Arsenic naturally occurs in water, soil, and rocks, but its levels may be higher in some areas than others. It readily enters the food chain and may accumulate in significant amounts in both animals and plants, some of which are eaten by humans. As a result of human activities, arsenic pollution has been rising. The main sources of arsenic pollution include certain pesticides and herbicides, wood preservatives, phosphate fertilizers, industrial waste, mining activities, coal burning and smelting. Arsenic often drains into groundwater, which is heavily polluted in certain parts of the world. From groundwater, arsenic finds its way into wells and other water supplies that may be used for crop irrigation and cooking. Paddy rice is particularly susceptible to arsenic contamination, for three reasons: It is grown in flooded fields (paddy fields) that require high quantities of irrigation water. In many areas, this irrigation water is contaminated with arsenic. Arsenic may accumulate in the soil of paddy fields, worsening the problem. Rice absorbs more arsenic from water and soil compared to other common food crops. Using contaminated water for cooking is another concern, because rice grains easily absorb arsenic from cooking water when they are boiled. Health effects of arsenic High doses of arsenic are acutely toxic, causing various adverse symptoms and even death. Dietary arsenic is generally present in low amounts and does not cause any immediate symptoms of poisoning. However, long-term ingestion of inorganic arsenic may cause high blood pressure (hypertension) and atherosclerosis and increase the risk of chronic diseases. These include: Various types of cancer. Narrowing or blockage of blood vessels (vascular disease). Heart disease. Type 2 diabetes. In addition, arsenic is toxic to nerve cells and may affect brain function. In children and teenagers, arsenic exposure has been associated with: Impaired concentration, learning, and memory. Reduced intelligence and social competence. Some of these impairments may have taken place before birth. Several studies indicate that high arsenic intake during pregnancy has adverse effects on the fetus, increasing the risk of birth defects and hindering development. Is arsenic in rice a concern? Yes. There is no doubt about it, arsenic in rice is a problem. This may pose a health risk to those who eat rice every day in considerable amounts. This mainly applies to people with rice-based diets. Other groups who may eat a lot of rice products include young children and those on a milk-free or gluten-free diet. Rice-based infant formulas, rice crackers, pudding and rice milk sometimes make up a large portion of these diets. Young children are especially vulnerable because of their small body size. Therefore, feeding them rice cereals every day may not be such a good idea. Of additional concern is brown rice syrup, a rice-derived sweetener that may be high in arsenic. It is often used in baby formulas. Of course, not all rice contains high arsenic levels, but determining the arsenic content of a particular rice product may be difficult (or impossible) without actually measuring it in a lab. How to reduce arsenic in rice The arsenic content of rice can be reduced by washing and cooking the rice with clean water that is low in arsenic. This is effective for both white and brown rice. In a 2021 study, parboiling, or boiling rice for 5 minutes, was shown to remove 53% of the arsenic in brown rice and 73% in white rice. However, if the cooking water is high in arsenic, it may have the opposite effect and raise the arsenic content significantly. The following tips should help reduce the arsenic content of your rice: Use plenty of water when cooking. Wash the rice before cooking. This method may remove 10% to 40% of the arsenic, though this only works with white rice. Brown rice contains higher amounts of arsenic than white rice. If you eat large amounts of rice, the white variety may be a better choice. Choose aromatic rice, such as basmati or jasmine. The last and most important piece of advice concerns your diet as a whole. Make sure to diversify your diet by eating many different foods. Your diet should never be dominated by one type of food. Not only does this ensure that you are getting all the nutrients you need, it also prevents you from getting too much of one thing.
