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Daily Mail
20-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Lipstick and fake nails can increase risk of getting asthma in adulthood, study finds
Regularly wearing make-up may increase the risk of developing asthma in adulthood, a study has found. Research has shown a potential link between those who use products such as lipstick, eyeshadow and mascara and an increase in late-onset cases of the chronic respiratory condition, which affects around 5.4 million people in the UK. Women who used false nails, cuticle cream, blush and lipstick had a 47 per cent higher risk of being diagnosed with asthma, the study based on nearly 40,000 people found. Just using blush and lipstick five times a week or more increased the risk by 18 per cent. The researchers, from the US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, said the association did not prove the products caused the uptick in risk but did suggest common chemicals in make-up could have an effect. Some are thought to weaken the immune system, while others – such as polyfluoroalkyl substances (known as PFAs), parabens, phthalates and phenols may interfere with the body's hormones. 'Our findings reinforce the need for regulation of personal care products and their components,' the researchers said. The study, published in the journal Environment International, used data gathered over 12 years, which was based on the use of 41 different beauty products. At the end of the research period, 1,774 of the women – around 4 per cent – had been diagnosed with adult-onset asthma. Symptoms of the condition include coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. Overall, using the products was associated with a 19 per cent increased risk of asthma. Frequent use corresponded to a 22 per cent increase risk. Previous studies have found that exposure to chemicals contained in beauty products during early pregnancy correlates with an increased risk of the baby going on to develop asthma in childhood. But little research has been conducted on the potential risk to adults. 'Understanding the biological pathways through which EDCs (endocrine-disrupting chemicals) in PCPs (personal care products) may increase the risk of asthma is important for understanding disease development,' the researchers said. 'If our findings are confirmed in other large-scale multi-ethnic prospective studies, they support PCPs as a potentially targetable lifestyle factor to reduce the burden of adult-onset asthma among women.' Dr Samantha Walker, director of research and innovation at Asthma + Lung UK, said: 'We know that women get worse asthma than men and are more likely to be admitted to hospital, but it's not clear why although we believe female hormones play a part. 'More research is needed into this area so we can understand how to keep women well.'
Indian Express
29-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Stubble burning behind nearly one-third of Delhi's post-monsoon pollution deaths: Study
Smoke from crop residue burning in Punjab and Haryana is responsible for nearly one-third of all PM2.5-related deaths in Delhi during the post-monsoon season, according to a new international study. The research found that this smoke—transported over hundreds of kilometres—became the dominant share of organic aerosols, accounting for almost half of it during the worst post-monsoon haze episodes, even surpassing traffic or industrial pollution. PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that has a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller. These tiny particles are a major component of air pollution and can pose significant health risks because they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. The study, published earlier this month in the journal Environment International, is the first to use year-long, near-molecular-level data to identify specific sources of organic aerosols in Delhi and Kanpur. Scientists from the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland, IIT Delhi, and IIT Kanpur monitored pollution levels over 12 months in both cities and concluded that smoke from agricultural fires, primarily rice stubble, has a significant health impact. In Delhi, they found that during October and November, smoke from crop fires contributed to 32 per cent of premature deaths caused by PM2.5 exposure. Overall, short-term exposure to PM2.5—tiny particles that can enter the lungs and bloodstream—was linked to about 6 per cent of all deaths annually in both cities. In Delhi, nearly half of this health burden came from organic aerosols. The study estimates that more than 1,000 premature deaths in Delhi during the post-monsoon period were tied to this transported smoke, referred to as AgrOA. 'Transported rural fire smokes remain a major detrimental factor threatening public health, despite intensive urban emissions,' the researchers noted. The data also revealed that AgrOA was the largest single component of particulate matter during peak smog events, contributing up to 70 per cent of the organic aerosol load in Kanpur and nearly 50 per cent in Delhi. While urban sources like traffic emissions, industrial waste, and biomass burning remain major contributors throughout the year, these were surpassed by crop-burning smoke during November's haze. Interestingly, the study found that Kanpur—despite being located over 600 kilometres from the fire zones—experienced an even higher impact. Researchers said the smoke had more time to age chemically as it travelled east, making it even more toxic by the time it reached Kanpur. There, AgrOA was linked to 53 per cent of PM2.5-related deaths during the post-monsoon season. The researchers also highlighted the increased health risks for vulnerable groups. Based on global data, the study estimates that women and the elderly face disproportionately higher mortality risks from exposure to crop-burning smoke. For women, AgrOA was estimated to be responsible for up to 67 per cent of pollution-related deaths in Kanpur and 46 per cent in Delhi during the post-monsoon period. In addition to AgrOA, the researchers identified other key sources of pollution. In Delhi, a winter-specific industrial pollution signature was observed, linked to chemicals like melamine used in plastics and e-waste recycling. These emissions spike in colder months when pollutants remain trapped close to the ground. Traffic and cooking-related emissions also made up a significant share of organic aerosols in both cities. However, the researchers emphasised that city-level pollution control will not be enough. 'Mitigation measures should extend beyond cities to regional scales, targeting regions particularly affected by stubble fires like Punjab and Haryana,' they wrote. The study recommends strengthening bans on open burning, promoting machines like the Happy Seeder for in-situ straw management, offering incentives for using straw as fertiliser or fuel and encouraging farmers to adopt low-residue or alternative crops. The findings underline the urgent need for coordinated action across states and sectors. For Delhi, which has struggled for years with severe winter smog, the study confirms that efforts to clean the city's air must also include stopping crop fires outside its borders. 'These findings illustrate the urgent and critical need for regional cooperative air pollution mitigation strategies, accounting not only for urban emissions but also for stubble residue burning emissions,' the study noted.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers make concerning discovery while studying immune response to COVID-19: 'May reduce its effectiveness'
Exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as "forever chemicals," can alter one of the ways our immune system reacts to the coronavirus, possibly affecting vaccine efficacy, according to a recent study led by researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research and published in the journal Environment International. The researchers set out to see "how PFAS affect the second arm of the immune system," also known as the cellular immune response, according to a UFZ summary of the research published by Medical Xpress. This response is particularly important when it comes to SARS-CoV-2 (the coronavirus that causes COVID-19), as it helps protect against severe illness outcomes, according to the summary. To test the effects, the scientists used blood samples from men and women who had been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 several times and had been infected with the virus. They cultured the immune cells in these samples and exposed them to PFAS for 24 hours. Then, they exposed the immune cells to proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. According to the research summary, the team found that two immune cell types that had been exposed to elevated levels of PFAS produced more inflammatory mediators in response to the SARS-CoV-2 proteins than unexposed samples. This suggested an "excessive immune response," according to the researchers. They added that this effect was especially pronounced in the study's male participants. Meanwhile, the study's female participants had proportionally fewer B cells (immune cells that are important in the development of antibodies and long-term immunity) after exposure to PFAS. "Our results show that exposure to high PFAS concentrations clearly alters the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and may reduce its effectiveness," said Ana Zenclussen, the research team's leader, per the research summary in Medical Xpress. Zenclussen also said that the difference between male and female participants is "an important result that should be investigated more thoroughly in further studies." PFAS are a group of thousands of human-made compounds that are used in everyday household products such as nonstick cookware and water-repellent clothing. They have also been widely found in drinking water and soil across the globe. One study found that more than 20% of Americans may be exposed to PFAS-laced tap water. Nicknamed "forever chemicals," they are known for being persistent in the environment. The new research adds to a growing body of knowledge about the health impacts of PFAS. For example, one study found that exposure to these chemicals can alter the expressions of certain genes within the brain, while another tied them to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in women after menopause. While PFAS are known for being difficult to remove from the environment, some scientists are making headway. For example, one University of Illinois team reportedly discovered a way to remove the full spectrum of PFAS from water with a single process. You can reduce your exposure by shopping from PFAS-free brands, upgrading your cookware, and limiting your purchases of stain- and water-resistant clothing. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
Hollywood's latest detox trend: Orlando Bloom's luxury apheresis treatment
Bloom recently took his health regimen to the next level by undergoing a controversial detoxification procedure which costs approximately R190,000 Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom recently made waves in the wellness world by undergoing a £ 10,000 apheresis 'detox' in London. He posted an intimate photo of himself hooked up to a machine claiming to remove microplastics and toxins from his bloodstream. But is this luxury procedure scientifically sound or a self-indulgent health trend? restore all settings to the default values Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Seek to live, currently behind live While research is ongoing, there's evidence suggesting that they may be associated with various health problems, including inflammation, oxidative stress and even potential impacts on fertility, cancer, and foetal development. According to the University of Southern California, microplastics are tiny plastic particles, less than 5 millimetres in size, that come from the breakdown of larger plastic debris or are intentionally manufactured. They are found in food, water, air and even within our bodies, raising concerns about their potential health impacts. Bloom recently took his health regimen to the next level by undergoing a controversial detoxification procedure which costs approximately R190,000. Apheresis, also known as plasmapheresis, is a medical procedure typically used to treat autoimmune disorders and blood diseases. Blood is drawn, plasma is separated, filtered, and then reintroduced to the body. While it's been used in medical fields like haematology and autoimmune diseases for decades, its application as a luxury detox procedure has raised eyebrows and questions. Bloom's Instagram post gave fans an intimate look into this cutting-edge treatment. The photo showed the actor connected to a machine that extracts blood, cleanses it of toxins, and returns it to the body. The actor, known for his disciplined health habits and alternative therapies, hailed it as a revolutionary way to combat the pollutants we unknowingly accumulate daily. Despite Bloom's enthusiasm, experts are sceptical about the 'health detox's efficacy. The "Clari" procedure cost Bloom approximately £9,750–10,000 at a UK clinic, with the medical institution explaining that this prototype filter removes 90–99% of microplastics and synthetic toxins that linger in our bodies. Bloom, who leads a disciplined wellness routine, said he felt like it was 'a new way' to purge harmful substances. Microplastics are everywhere. They're in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. Shockingly, these particles have even been found in human blood and organs. A study in the journal "Environment International" published in 2022, revealed that microplastics were present in nearly 80% of blood samples tested. Scientists warn that microplastics can bypass the body's natural defences, causing inflammation and increasing the risk of issues like cancer, hormone disruption, fertility problems and chronic illnesses. The science (or lack thereof) The "Clari" procedure has been described as a groundbreaking solution to detoxify the body. Yet, many experts argue that there's insufficient evidence to support its health claims. Speaking to the "Daily Mail", Dr. Mousumi Mukherjee, a GP, questions the clinic's justification for the exorbitant price tag. 'In general practice, we rely on evidence. Every procedure has potential side effects. Until robust studies are available, I wouldn't recommend this to patients,' she was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, Emeritus Professor Edzard Ernst from the University of Exeter echoed similar concerns, stating, 'There's no reliable evidence showing this has any significant impact on human health.' While the clinic claims the treatment reduces inflammation linked to conditions like cancer and neurological disorders, critics worry about the lack of independent research backing these assertions. Industry experts warn that causality hasn't been established, we still don't know if these particles definitely harm us or if filtering them delivers lasting health benefits. Some doctors question whether the costly procedure removes anything beyond cash. There's 'very limited evidence' that it produces meaningful change. Any invasive procedure carries risk. Apheresis can trigger infections, bruising, blood pressure dips, and even exposure to plastics from the machine's tubing. The medical organisation claims that their process is comfortable and clinically monitored. While detox treatments like Bloom's may grab headlines, experts suggest starting with these simpler, evidence-based steps to minimise exposure to toxins: 1. Reduce plastic use: Opt for glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic. 2. Filter your water: Invest in a high-quality water filter to remove contaminants. 3. Eat whole foods: Processed foods often contain additives and microplastics. Stick to fresh, locally sourced options. 4. Support environmental initiatives: Advocate for policies that reduce plastic waste in South Africa. These steps may not be as glamorous as a luxury detox, but they're practical, affordable and effective.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Heat waves may accelerate the aging process
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Every day, Kalpana Suryawanshi, 48, looks into the mirror and whispers, "I look older than my age." Eight years ago, she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Since then, her health has deteriorated, which she attributes to increased exposure to heat while working in the fields, planting crops, harvesting produce, and carrying heavy loads of cattle fodder. During this time, she frequently experienced dizziness and weakness as temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 F) in her village of Nandani in Maharashtra state, India. Heat is known to affect cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and kidney function, and a growing body of research suggests that exposure to rising temperatures also accelerates the body's aging process. A 2023 German study published in Environment International was the first to find that higher air temperatures are associated with faster aging at the cellular level. It found that prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures can make the body age faster than its chronological age, a phenomenon known as epigenetic age acceleration. Scientists measure this process using epigenetic clocks, which analyze chemical markers called DNA methylation that turn genes on and off. The study found that in areas where the average annual temperature is 1°C higher, people tend to show signs of accelerated aging at the cellular level. When scientists talk about epigenetic age, they measure how old a body is at the cellular level, which can differ from the actual age in years. This is based on changes to DNA called epigenetic markers, the chemical tags that turn genes on or off. Environment, lifestyle, and stress influence these markers. As one ages, the pattern of these chemical tags changes, and scientists use this information to create an epigenetic clock, a tool that estimates biological age. The genes affected by these changes control many vital functions, like repairing cells and tissues and protecting against toxins. When the wrong genes are switched on or off, it can make it harder for the body to repair itself, fight disease, or recover from stress. Over time, these hidden changes can lead to outward signs of aging, such as weaker bones or slower healing. Epigenetic age gives a glimpse into how well the body is holding up on the inside. 2024 was the hottest year on record, with 6.8 billion people worldwide experiencing extreme heat for at least 31 days. One unusual effect of this rising heat is observed firsthand by India's community health care workers, who report that more people appear older than their actual age. Scientists are now also finding the biological mechanisms that contribute to premature aging. Wenli Ni, a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the lead author of the German study, said heat exposure can induce alterations in DNA methylation, which is a biological process that can influence gene expression and cellular function. She explained that this mechanism can trigger harmful biological processes and accelerate aging. "Heat exposure may also lead to oxidative stress, resulting in DNA damage that could alter DNA methylation patterns and impact aging," she added. Oxidative damage occurs when unstable molecules called free radicals attack cells. They can harm DNA, cell membranes, and proteins, contributing to aging, cancer, and cardiovascular health issues. These results were repeated in Taiwan, where scientists examined over 2,000 people and found high ambient temperature and heat index exposure were linked to increased aging, with stronger associations in prolonged exposure. The study revealed that a 1°C increase in the 180-day average temperature was linked to a rise of 0.04 to 0.08 years in biological age acceleration, as measured by three different epigenetic aging clocks that estimate biological age. Related: Human aging accelerates dramatically at age 44 and 60 While this increase in age acceleration might seem small at first, it's important to consider how these effects can build up over time. Even slight increases in biological aging, when sustained year after year, can add up to several years of accelerated aging. This can mean an earlier occurrence of age-related illnesses. Moreover, when these small shifts affect large populations, they can contribute to a tremendous rise in disease burden and health care costs. A recent study published in Science Advances examined the relationship between heat and aging in more than 3,500 adults aged 56 and above in the U.S. The study found that long-term heat exposure, lasting from one to six years, was associated with epigenetic aging. Persistent exposure to high temperatures can result in frequent sleep disturbances, raising stress and anxiety levels. Over time, this physiological degradation accumulates and may accelerate health decline with age. The German study found that women and individuals with obesity or Type 2 diabetes exhibited stronger associations between air temperature and aging. Women generally sweat less and have different body responses to heat, which can make it harder for them to cool down and sometimes cause their body temperature to rise faster, Ni explained. She also said that studies suggest women have a higher threshold for activating the sweating mechanism at high temperatures, indicating their bodies take longer to start sweating. Diabetes also makes people more susceptible to high temperatures. People with diabetes often have reduced blood flow to their skin, which can interfere with the body's ability to release heat and stay cool in hot weather. Additionally, body fat can act as insulation, making it harder for heat to move from the body's core to the skin, reducing its ability to release heat and stay cool. Epigenetic age acceleration can contribute to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and mortality, putting more pressure on public health care systems. In 2016, Rajma Jamadar, now 47 years old, from Maharashtra's Haroli village, woke up in the middle of the night with irregular heartbeats. The next day, the doctor said that her blood pressure spiked and prescribed lifelong medication. Within months, her symptoms worsened as her cardiovascular health declined. "Upon further diagnosis, the doctor then told me my heart isn't pumping blood efficiently," she said. She prepares meals for 175 children at a public school in her village, but rising temperatures make her job increasingly difficult as the heat from cooking takes a toll on her. "Every day, I feel sick," she said. Remarkably, climate change may sometimes accelerate epigenetic aging in children even before birth. A study published last year in Nature examined 104 drought-exposed children and 109 same-sex sibling controls in northern Kenya. It found a positive association between in-utero drought exposure and aging, emphasizing that the stressors from drought may decrease overall life expectancy. According to study author Bilinda Straight, changes can happen through three key pathways in the body. The first is the immune system, the body's first line of defense that protects one from infections and diseases. The second involves metabolic processes that provide the body with energy. The third is responsible for maintaining and repairing cells in response to stress. "Whether the threat we face is physical or emotional, we still perceive it as a danger to our homeostasis, a health-preserving balance between all our physiological systems," she explained. This suggests that the emotional stress experienced by the women in the study, along with caloric restriction and dehydration, activated systems that help the body manage stress but can harm health if overactivated for extended periods. Women in the study were seen to be engaged in outdoor labor while they were also experiencing hunger and dehydration. "Those physiological stressors were accompanied by worry about the next meal, for themselves, their children, and loved ones," she added. Moreover, social factors like gender inequality exposed women to coercion, overwork, and violence. While farmers risk loss from drought, those in livestock agriculture suffer the emotional and financial toll of watching their animals die. Combined with heat stress, dehydration, and hunger, this creates immense hardship. Eventually, this maternal stress during pregnancy contributes to changes in DNA methylation in their children, Straight said. RELATED STORIES —Biological aging may not be driven by what we thought —Climate change is spoiling food faster, making hundreds of millions of people sick around the world —Climate wars are approaching — and they will redefine global conflict She suggests adequate nutrition and close monitoring of children's cardiovascular and metabolic health. Researchers advocate for long-term studies to better understand the impacts of the environment on epigenetic age acceleration. "Slowing down epigenetic age acceleration is going to be tied to increasing food security and identifying alternatives to women engaging in high-risk occupational labor," she added. Effective policies are needed to achieve food and livelihood security while reducing social and economic inequalities. However, for many women, economic insecurity and the lack of social safety nets make it nearly impossible to prioritize health. Suryawanshi's struggle highlights this problem. So far, she has spent over 600,000 Indian rupees ($7,046) on medical treatment. "I can't afford any more expenses, so I've stopped taking some medicines," she said. She visited eight hospitals in two years to search for an effective treatment. "It's a miracle that I survived. Despite being only 48, I have no strength left, but I still have to work." This article was originally published by Yale Climate Connections.
