Health
Women’s Underwear Found to Contain Harmful Chemicals in New Lab Tests
A recent investigation by consumer watchdog groups from Hungary, Austria, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic has revealed dangerously high levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in women’s underwear. The study, which included contributions from the Czech environmental advocacy group Arnika, focused on bisphenols—synthetic chemicals often found in plastics that have been linked to serious health risks.
Bisphenols, particularly bisphenol A (BPA), are widely used in industrial manufacturing, including food packaging, medical devices, and textiles. BPA is classified as a hazardous chemical by the European Union and has been linked to a range of health issues, including fertility problems, hormonal imbalances, and cognitive impairments. The watchdog groups tested 166 types of women’s underwear from Hungary, Austria, and Slovenia for the presence of these chemicals, with concerning results.
The study found that 30% of the tested underwear samples contained bisphenols, while 10% had levels higher than what is considered safe for human health by regulatory bodies. Interestingly, the tests revealed that bisphenol levels were higher in underwear from well-known brands compared to cheaper alternatives. However, cotton underwear was found to be largely free from bisphenols, regardless of the brand.
“Although cotton products are available for women, our initial market research showed that the majority of women’s panties are made from synthetic materials,” said Júlia Dénes, a chemist with the Hungarian Association of Conscious Consumers. This reliance on synthetic fabrics may increase the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals, according to the researchers.
The health risks associated with bisphenol A are well-documented. The European Environment Agency has warned that the chemical can negatively impact fertility, cause allergic reactions, damage eyesight, disrupt hormonal systems, and affect cognitive function and metabolism. While most exposure to BPA comes from food and drink packaging, experts believe that it can also be absorbed through the skin—raising concerns about its presence in everyday clothing items.
This study adds to growing evidence of widespread bisphenol contamination. Last year, EU-funded research found bisphenol A in the urine of 92% of people tested across 11 European countries, with many cases exceeding European safety limits. While BPA is already banned in certain products, such as baby bottles and food packaging for young children, it remains prevalent in many consumer goods.
In June, EU member states supported a plan to ban bisphenol A in food and drink packaging across the bloc. However, environmental advocates argue that the regulatory framework is lagging behind scientific evidence. “Manufacturers are replacing BPA with other bisphenols, which pose similar health risks and are not yet banned,” said Karolina Brabcova, consumer campaigns manager with Arnika’s toxics and waste programme.
Advocates are calling for stricter regulations, urging authorities to ban bisphenols and other harmful chemicals from all consumer products to better protect public health.
Health
Scientists Warn of Health Risks from Fine Microplastics in Drinking Water
Health
Obesity Linked to Poorer Outcomes in Childhood Cancer Patients, Study Finds
Children with obesity diagnosed with cancer face significantly worse health outcomes, including a heightened risk of relapse and death, according to a new Canadian study.
The research, published in the journal Cancer, analyzed data from over 11,000 cancer patients aged 2 to 19, of whom 10.5% were obese at diagnosis. The study examined various cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and other tumors, and found that obesity negatively impacted outcomes across the entire cohort.
Increased Risk of Relapse and Mortality
The findings revealed that obese children had a 16% higher risk of cancer relapse and a 29% increased risk of death within five years of diagnosis, even after accounting for factors such as age, sex, and ethnicity.
“Our study highlights the negative impact of obesity among all types of childhood cancers,” said Dr. Thai Hoa Tran, a pediatric hematologist and oncologist at the University Hospital Centre Sainte-Justine in Montreal, Canada, and one of the study’s authors.
Dr. Tran emphasized the need for strategies to address obesity’s impact on cancer outcomes in future clinical trials and highlighted the importance of combating the childhood obesity epidemic to prevent severe health consequences.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Brain Tumors Most Affected
The study found the impact of obesity was particularly pronounced in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)—a cancer of the blood and bone marrow—and brain tumors. Researchers suggested that fat tissue may play an active role in tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to treatment.
Previous research has indicated that adipose (fat) tissue cells can promote tumor development and hinder the effectiveness of therapies. Additionally, the study noted concerns about potential undertreatment and inappropriate dosing of chemotherapy in obese patients, which could further compromise outcomes.
Limitations and Calls for Improved Measures
The researchers acknowledged limitations in their study, including reliance on body mass index (BMI) to define obesity. They pointed out that BMI is an imprecise measure that does not fully capture body composition or nutritional status.
“BMI remains a crude and imperfect measure,” the authors wrote, echoing recent calls from experts to adopt more accurate diagnostic tools for obesity. Critics argue that BMI may lead to overdiagnosis or fail to reflect the nuanced impact of weight on health outcomes.
Implications and Urgency
The findings underscore the urgent need for interventions targeting childhood obesity and call for more precise research to better understand the interplay between obesity and cancer treatment. As childhood obesity rates continue to rise globally, addressing this epidemic could have far-reaching implications for improving survival rates and health outcomes for young cancer patients.
Health
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