US Firms Balk at EU Crackdown on Chemicals

And it's linked to infertility, obesity, cancer—you name it

(NEWSER) - It's in everything from baby bottles to coffee makers to CDs, and research is accumulating, as Salon's Elizabeth Grossman puts it, that it's a major health hazard. Bisphenol A is a key ingredient of the lightweight plastics now ubiquitous in consumer products, and it's been variously linked to reproductive health, obesity, cancer and neurological disorders. More»

HPV, hepatitis B vaccines key part of cancer prevention

(NEWSER) - A sixth of all cancers worldwide are the result of potentially treatable or preventable infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites, according to a new study. Researchers found that that almost 2 million new cancer cases in 2008 were caused by the human papilloma virus, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and the stomach bacterium Helicobacter pylori, and that the proportion of cancers caused by infection was three times higher in developing countries, reports the Guardian . A fifth of the 7.5 million cancer deaths worldwide in 2008 were caused by infection-related cancers, the study found. More»

Fresh food diet best way to avoiding risky chemical

(NEWSER) - The estrogen-mimicking compound BPA, linked to health problems including breast cancer and infertility , is found in plastics, canned food, and even store receipts. It's nearly impossible to avoid it completely, but researchers say eating more fresh food helps and Fast Company has some tips for further cutting down exposure. Try to avoid:

• Bottled water—Drink from the tap or try BPA-free stainless steel bottles.
• Canned foods— found to be especially high in BPA —unless the can states that it has a BPA-free lining.

Number of survivors rises 20% in six years

(NEWSER) - More people than ever can call themselves cancer survivors, according to new federal stats. Highlights from the New York Times :

• One in 20 adults has survived some form of the disease, including one in five people over age 65.
• The total number of survivors rose to 11.7 million in 2007, up from 9.8 million in 2001 and 3 million in 1971.
• About 65% of survivors have lived five years or more since diagnosis, 40% have lived at least 10 years, and 10% at least 25 years.

Lead researcher says kids' use should be restricted

(NEWSER) - One of the most thorough reviews yet of the health risks of cell phones suggests that longtime users face a higher risk of brain tumors. The World Health Organization study is not definitive, but it bolsters the case that precautions make sense. The lead researcher tells the Telegraph she thinks that kids' use of cell phones should be restricted—but not eliminated—and that adults should consider devices such as hands-free kits. More»