Pamela Ferdinand
@pamelawrites.bsky.social
đ€ 310
đ„ 593
đ 288
Journalist. Editor. Author. Environmentalist. MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellow.
Seeking physician/nurse/patient/caregiver personal experiences with private equity-owned healthcare providers. Please message.
10 days ago
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At U.S. Right to Know, we do accountability journalism about public health. We pursue stories about who is harming your health, and why.
usrtk.org/donate/?mc_c...
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Donate to USRTK
Stand up for independent journalism and our right to know
https://usrtk.org/donate/?mc_cid=1342b43a3e&mc_eid=095a8b0403
19 days ago
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A review synthesizes over a decade of research on organophosphate ester flame retardants (OPFRs). Its findings suggest these widely used substitutes may be as dangerous than the chemicals they
[email protected]
usrtk.org/healthwire/f...
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âUbiquitousâ flame retardants are linked to higher heart disease risks, major review finds
Flame-retardant chemicals widely used in furniture, electronics and textiles are increasingly linked to heart disease, a new study shows.
https://usrtk.org/healthwire/flame-retardants-heart-disease/
25 days ago
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Food additives, packaging chemicals, and processing methods may drive disease risk, even as food safety rules fail to catch up.
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
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Ultra-processed foods damage health in ways that calories don't explain, new study says
Ultra-processed foods may harm health because of what they contain but also how they are manufactured to promote overconsumption and maximize profits.
https://usrtk.org/healthwire/how-ultra-processed-foods-damage-health/
30 days ago
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The political declaration reflects a sharper regulatory focus on e-cigarettes, novel tobacco products, unhealthy food marketing to children, front-of-pack labeling, and the elimination of trans fats.
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
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World leaders adopt a historic global declaration on noncommunicable diseases and mental health
Leaders from across the world at the Eightieth United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) have adopted the political declaration to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges thro...
https://www.who.int/news/item/16-12-2025-world-leaders-adopt-a-historic-global-declaration-on-noncommunicable-diseases-and-mental-health
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Pamela Ferdinand
Gary Ruskin
about 1 month ago
Social media fuels smoking and vaping among children, especially girls, study shows. Via
@pamelawrites.bsky.social
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
usrtk.org/healthwire/s...
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Social media fuels smoking and vaping among children, especially girls, study shows
The more time teens spend on social media, the higher their risk of using cigarettes or e-cigarettes â and potentially developing serious health problems.
https://usrtk.org/healthwire/social-media-fuels-smoking-and-vaping-among-children/
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Big Tobaccoâs lobbying machine has extensive global reach and influenceâand lack of government transparency often complicates efforts to trace its movements. Now, a new investigation helps expose the scope of the industryâs influence efforts across the EU.
exposetobacco.org/campaigns/be...
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How Big Tobaccoâs Lobbying Influences the EU and Beyond - STOP
New FOI documents reveal the true impact of Big Tobacco's lobbying efforts on global politics. Read the report from Contre-Feu and STOP.
https://exposetobacco.org/campaigns/behind-closed-doors/
about 1 month ago
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Commercial Determinants of Health: An agenda for global health geography
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
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Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/03091325251405450
about 1 month ago
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For nearly six years, the fight to see what U.S. spy agencies really know about COVID-19âs origins has played out in courtrooms, long FOIA queues and heavily redacted PDFs. Now, itâs written into a defense bill.
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
@lewiskamb.bsky.social
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Congress may order spy agencies to consider declassifying evidence on COVID origins
New language in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2026 would call to declassify intelligence on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://usrtk.org/covid-19-origins/congress-may-order-spy-agencies-to-consider-declassifying-evidence-on-covid-origins/?mc_cid=9c50d41723&mc_eid=095a8b0403
about 1 month ago
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about 1 month ago
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Currently, multiple studies document the association between early exposure to EDCs and a significant increase in the incidence and risk of various symptoms and diseases.
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
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The importance of endocrine disruptors: an environmental prevention approach
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2341287925004156
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Pamela Ferdinand
Mark Petticrew
2 months ago
đŹ đż Official Film Release! Weâre thrilled to announce the public release of Unmasking Influence -now available via the LSHTM Vimeo channel!
vimeo.com/1123819285
There is overwhelming evidence that many industries are undermining public health.This documentary makes the issues visible and relatable.
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Unmasking Influence - The Official Trailer
This trailer is for a film called Unmasking Influence. Unmasking influence is about how commercial actors influence policy and public health. Many of the majorâŠ
https://vimeo.com/1123819285
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reposted by
Pamela Ferdinand
Gary Ruskin
about 1 month ago
Hormone-disrupting chemicals contaminate breast milk, global review shows; scientists say breastfeeding is still best. Via
@pamelawrites.bsky.social
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
usrtk.org/healthwire/h...
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Hormone-disrupting chemicals contaminate breast milk, global review shows; scientists say breastfeeding is still best
Breast milk from mothers worldwide contains a wide range of endocrine disrupting chemicals, but breastfeeding still remains best, global study shows.
https://usrtk.org/healthwire/hormone-disrupting-chemicals-contaminate-breast-milk/
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Ultra-processed foods: time to put health before profit
The rise of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in human diets is damaging public health, fuelling chronic diseases worldwide, and deepening health inequalities. Addressing this challenge requires a unified ...
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)02322-0/fulltext?dgcid=raven_jbs_etoc_email
about 1 month ago
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"I don't think anyone on planet Earth knows more about the plastics problem than Judith Enck â including, most crucially, what to do about it. This is a handbook for people looking to make a difference!" âBill McKibben, author of âHere Comes the Sunâ
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BOOK: The Problem with Plastics: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before Itâs Too Late â Beyond Plastics - Working To End Single-Use Plastic Pollution
âThe Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before Itâs Too Lateâ critically examines the paradox of this material, first celebrated for its innovations and now recognized for ...
https://www.beyondplastics.org/publications/problem-with-plastic-book?link_id=1&can_id=8ea4700cd9d809cff4ee4b4ec0709c66&source=email-our-book-is-out-today-come-celebrate-with-us-at-these-events&email_referrer=email_2986018&email_subject=our-book-is-out-today-_join-us-at-these-events-to-celebrate&&
about 1 month ago
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At Healthwire, we provide free news, analysis, and perspectives from the worldâs leading researchers to systematically look at the ways companies damage our healthâand that of future generations. This emerging field is more important than ever. Thank you for supporting our work.
usrtk.org/donate/
about 2 months ago
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At Healthwire, we provide news, analysis, and perspectives from the worldâs leading researchers to systematically look at the ways companies damage our healthâand that of future generations. Thank you for supporting our work.
usrtk.org/donate/
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Donate to USRTK
Invest in your right to know We are a nonprofit newsroom and public health research group working to expose corporate wrongdoing and government failures that threaten our health. All donations doubled...
https://usrtk.org/donate/
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Pamela Ferdinand
Gary Ruskin
about 2 months ago
Higher screen time linked to brain abnormalities and ADHD symptoms in children, study shows. Via
@pamelawrites.bsky.social
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
usrtk.org/healthwire/s...
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Higher screen time linked to brain abnormalities and ADHD symptoms in children, study shows
More screen time may worsen attention and harm brain structural development in children, a new large-scale study suggests.
https://usrtk.org/healthwire/screen-time-linked-to-brain-abnormalities-and-adhd-symptoms-in-children/
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E-cigarettes increase harm to smokers, so should not be promoted as a harm reduction strategy (in 10 slides)
The tobacco industry has used claims of reduced harm to sell its products since the 1950s with its efforts to promote âsafe cigarettes.â âHarm reductionâ claims have been central to marketing of e-âŠ
https://profglantz.com/2025/10/31/e-cigarettes-increase-harm-to-smokers-so-should-not-be-promoted-as-a-harm-reduction-strategy-in-10-slides/
2 months ago
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www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
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The Gun Industry's Suicide Prevention Effort Isn't What They Say It Is
The National Shooting Sports Foundation, a top gun industry trade group, has been using deceptive numbers to tout its suicide awareness efforts.
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/gun-industry-suicide-prevention-effort-misleading-1235460363/
2 months ago
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In a study published in Addiction, researchers ran focus groups with 14- to 16-year-olds in four schools. Pupils were well aware of nicotine pouches, describing them as easy to access and discreet to use, with some reporting nicotine rushes, sickness or fainting.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
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Experts concerned over health effects of high-dose nicotine pouches as sales soar in UK
Teenagers reported nicotine rushes, sickness and fainting in recent research amid claims of âtargeting younger age groupsâ
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/nov/12/experts-concerned-health-effects-high-dose-nicotine-pouches-sales
2 months ago
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âUtter hypocrisyâ: tobacco firm lobbied against rules in Africa that are law in UK
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
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âUtter hypocrisyâ: tobacco firm lobbied against rules in Africa that are law in UK
British American Tobacco pushed Zambian ministers to drop or delay ad bans, health warnings and restrictions on flavoured products, letter shows
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/nov/13/british-american-tobacco-africa-zambia-uk
2 months ago
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Watch associate professor Ana M. Ruleâs discussion of her research labâs work analyzing e-cigarette aerosol for chemicals including nicotine and metals. Ruleâs lab is among the first to find evidence linking e-cigarettes to metal exposure.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XU7k...
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Ana M. Rule, PhD: Investigating E-cigarette ToxicityâFocus on Metals
YouTube video by globaltobaccocontrol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XU7koCcardc
2 months ago
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More than 800 unique e-cigarette products were purchased across three Indonesian cities in 2022. Most used cartoons, animations and memes, cute or cool fonts, or fun brand names to attract youth. The kicker? Some advertised a âsmoke-free future.â
www.globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/resources...
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Marketing Appeals on E-cigarette Product Packages in Indonesia | Global Tobacco Control
E-cigarette use is increasing globally, especially among youth.
https://www.globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/resources/marketing-appeals-e-cigarette-product-packages-indonesia
2 months ago
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reposted by
Pamela Ferdinand
Gary Ruskin
3 months ago
Common male cancer linked to hormone-disrupting chemicals, scientists warn. Even low exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals could promote prostate cancer growth. Via
@pamelawrites.bsky.social
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
usrtk.org/healthwire/p...
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Common male cancer linked to hormone-disrupting chemicals, scientists warn
Chemicals in everyday productsâfrom plastics and pesticides to cosmetics â may increase the risk and severity of prostate cancer, a new review finds.
https://usrtk.org/healthwire/prostate-cancer-linked-to-hormone-disrupting-chemicals/
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reposted by
Pamela Ferdinand
Gary Ruskin
3 months ago
Are your babyâs clothes toxic? New study finds harmful chemicals in infant textiles. Via
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
@pamelawrites.bsky.social
usrtk.org/healthwire/t...
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Are your babyâs clothes toxic? New study finds harmful chemicals in infant textiles
Baby clothing may expose infants to hundreds of chemicals used in everything from plastics to pesticides â including some known to be toxic, a new study shows.
https://usrtk.org/healthwire/toxic-chemicals-in-baby-clothes/
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reposted by
Pamela Ferdinand
Gary Ruskin
2 months ago
Air pollution, even at low levels, may heighten breast cancer risk. Even a small drop in NO2 pollution might mean 9,500 fewer U.S. breast cancer cases each year. Via
@pamelawrites.bsky.social
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
usrtk.org/healthwire/a...
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Air pollution, even at low levels, may heighten breast cancer risk
Women who live in areas with more air pollution may face a higher risk of developing breast cancer, according to a new, large-scale study.
https://usrtk.org/healthwire/air-pollution-breast-cancer/
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reposted by
Pamela Ferdinand
Gary Ruskin
2 months ago
Worldâs most used insecticides damage male fertility in rodents, researchers say Via
@pamelawrites.bsky.social
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
usrtk.org/healthwire/n...
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Worldâs most used insecticides damage male fertility in rodents, researchers say
Neonicotinoid insecticides cause reproductive toxicity in lab animals, raising concerns about damage to human fertility, according to a new review.
https://usrtk.org/healthwire/neonicotinoids-damage-male-fertility/
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Firms ordered to reduce forever chemicals in drinking water sources for 6 million people.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
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Firms ordered to reduce forever chemicals in drinking water for 6m people
The persistent pollutants which build up in the environment have been linked to serious illnesses.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9q1nzyzyjeo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
2 months ago
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From NASA to the National Institutes of Health, federal agencies conduct research that universities cannot. Agency scientists speak out about the irreplaceable facilities, institutional knowledge and training opportunities that the country is losing.
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
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Dismantling of US federal agencies will âdestroy scienceâ
From NASA to the National Institutes of Health, federal agencies conduct research that universities cannot. Agency scientists speak out about the irreplaceable facilities, institutional knowledge and ...
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-03575-7
2 months ago
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Illegal teeth-whitening treatments that can burn gums and destroy teeth are being handed over in car parks and on doorsteps, a BBC investigation has found.
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
Some gels contain more than 500 times the legal limit of bleaching agent for over-the-counter products.
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BBC investigation exposes dangerous teeth-whitening industry
A BBC investigation finds kits on sale containing more than 500 times the legal limit of bleach.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20z7xx6nr4o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
2 months ago
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The Maldives has banned young people born on or after 1 January 2007 from smoking tobacco, becoming the only country in the world to enforce a nationwide generational tobacco prohibition.
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
www.bbc.com/news/article...
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Maldives bans smoking for younger generations
Anyone born on or after 1 January 2007 will be banned from using, buying or selling tobacco products in the archipelago.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crex3154l8jo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
2 months ago
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My community outside of Chicago is being terrorized by ICE and Border Patrol agents today.
3 months ago
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We disagree.
usrtk.org?s=atrazine
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Trump Administration Dismisses Risks of Atrazine, a Farm Herbicide
Experts say the chemicalâs continued use will likely harm hundreds of endangered species, rendering some extinct.
https://civileats.com/2025/10/28/trump-administration-dismisses-risks-of-atrazine-a-farm-herbicide/
3 months ago
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3 months ago
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Exposure to food and cosmetics additive caused ovarian damage in mice that persisted for three generations, raising questions about long-term human health effects.
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
usrtk.org/healthwire/p...
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Common preservative may harm female fertility across generations, study finds
A widely used preservative found in shampoos, lotions, packaged foods, and pharmaceuticals, may reduce fertility across generations, a new study shows.
https://usrtk.org/healthwire/propylparaben-may-harm-female-fertility-across-generations/
3 months ago
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The analysis of 43 infant garments is the first to comprehensively screen for all detectable chemicals versus a limited number. In total, 303 different chemicalsâfrom traces of pesticides to prescription drugsâwere identified across the fabrics.
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
usrtk.org/healthwire/t...
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Are your babyâs clothes toxic? New study finds harmful chemicals in infant textiles
Baby clothing may expose infants to hundreds of chemicals used in everything from plastics to pesticides â including some known to be toxic, a new study shows.
https://usrtk.org/healthwire/toxic-chemicals-in-baby-clothes/
3 months ago
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Caribbean urged to confront corporate power driving NCD crisis, says Walcott - Barbados Today
Barbados and other small island developing states must take a united stand against powerful global industries whose products fuel chronic disease and undermine public health, Minister of Health Senato...
https://barbadostoday.bb/2025/10/15/caribbean-urged-to-confront-corporate-power-driving-ncd-crisis-says-walcott/
3 months ago
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Introducing The Well-Oiled Plan â a sharp, darkly funny animation that exposes how the fossil fuel industry is using the same PR tricks once used by Big Tobacco, selling poison as âfreedom."
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
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The Well Oiled Plan
YouTube video by Global Climate and Health Alliance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoEIYUukzzI
3 months ago
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reposted by
Pamela Ferdinand
UCSF Industry Documents Library
3 months ago
Join the UCSF Archives & Special Collections on Tuesday 10/21 for a virtual talk on addictive industries and their tactics. Open to all, registration in the link đ
calendars.library.ucsf.edu/calendar/eve...
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Behind the Spin: How Addictive Industries Harm Kids | Archives Talk
Join UCSF Archives and Special Collections for a book talk with Sue Rusche, author of Marketing Pleasure: How Addictive Drug Industries Tell Big Lies to Make Big Profits, followed...
https://calendars.library.ucsf.edu/calendar/events/behind_the_spin
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The New York Times looks at how the evolution and explosion of ultraprocessed foods has become one of the greatest health threats of our time. How did we get here? Letâs take a tour through history.
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
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https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/10/16/well/eat/ultraprocessed-food-junk-history.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
3 months ago
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Even low exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals could promote prostate cancer growth.
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
usrtk.org/healthwire/p...
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Common male cancer linked to hormone-disrupting chemicals, scientists warn
Chemicals in everyday productsâfrom plastics and pesticides to cosmetics â may increase the risk and severity of prostate cancer, a new review finds.
https://usrtk.org/healthwire/prostate-cancer-linked-to-hormone-disrupting-chemicals/
3 months ago
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At least 15 million children (13â15 years) are already using e-cigarettes.
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
www.who.int/news/item/06...
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WHO tobacco trends report: 1 in 5 adults still addicted to tobacco
The world is smoking less, but the tobacco epidemic is far from over. A new WHO global report shows the number of tobacco users has dropped from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024. Yet, tobac...
https://www.who.int/news/item/06-10-2025-who-tobacco-trends-report-1-in-5-adults-still-addicted-to-tobacco
3 months ago
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In light of this spike in youth e-cigarette use, along with the recent U.S. outbreak linked to more than 2,000 lung illnesses and 40+ deaths, the AMA has called for a total ban on all e-cigarette and vaping products that do not meet FDA approval as cessation tools.
www.ama-assn.org/public-healt...
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E-cigarettes and vaping: A public health epidemic
Learn more from the AMA about e-cigarettes and the public health epidemic of vaping.
https://www.ama-assn.org/public-health/behavioral-health/e-cigarettes-and-vaping-public-health-epidemic
4 months ago
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Even extremely small amounts of the herbicide glyphosate can harm gut health, disrupt metabolism, and change behavior in mice, scientists say. The effects arenât limited to the exposed animalsâthey pass on to their children and grandchildren.
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
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Even tiny doses of glyphosate can cause health problems across generations, new study in mice shows
Even extremely small amounts of the herbicide glyphosate can harm gut health, disrupt metabolism, and change behavior in mice, a new study shows.
https://usrtk.org/healthwire/even-tiny-doses-of-glyphosate-can-cause-health-problems-across-generations/
4 months ago
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Said lead author Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a professor at New York Universityâs Grossman School of Medicine: âIf we want kids to stay healthy and live longer, then we need to get serious about limiting the use of these materials.â
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
@leotrasande.bsky.social
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Plastics pose 'urgent threat' to childrenâs lifelong health, major review warns
A sweeping new study warns that chemicals in common plastics pose serious â and lasting â health risks to children.
https://usrtk.org/healthwire/plastics-pose-urgent-threat-to-childrens-lifelong-health/
4 months ago
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reposted by
Pamela Ferdinand
Knight Science Journalism @ MIT
4 months ago
"A look at the ways companies damage our healthâand that of future generations."
@pamelawrites.bsky.social
(KSJ '24) helped launch Healthwire to bring the latest research on commercial determinants of health to a mainstream audience.
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
Â
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Healthwire
Investigating industry's impact on our health and future generations.
https://usrtk.org/category/healthwire/
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This is why we do what we do at U.S. Right to Know's Healthwire (
www.usrtk.org/healthwire
).
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
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U.N. Health Goals Weakened by Industry Pressure, Experts Say
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/24/health/global-health-sugary-drinks-tobacco.html
4 months ago
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NEW YORK/LONDON, Sept 21 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will ease requirements on nicotine pouch manufacturers under a new pilot program in the first clear sign of a softer stance on smoking alternatives.
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
www.reuters.com/business/hea...
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Exclusive: US FDA to fast-track nicotine pouch reviews amid White House pressure
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to fast-track reviews of four tobacco firms' nicotine pouches in a pilot program launching on Monday, amid pressure from the Trump administration to speed up approvals, according to meeting transcripts seen by Reuters.
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-fda-fast-track-nicotine-pouch-reviews-amid-white-house-pressure-2025-09-09/
4 months ago
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Commercial actors influence political and economic systems to serve their interests, often at the expense of public health. Their tactics shape societal norms and weaken health policies.
@usrighttoknow.bsky.social
www.eesc.europa.eu/en/our-work/...
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Commercial determinants of health
BackgroundNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 90% of deaths and 85% of disabilities, with four major diseasesâcardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetesâcausi...
https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/our-work/opinions-information-reports/opinions/commercial-determinants-health
4 months ago
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