health risks Archives - Disasters News

Dec172024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Study Warns Claims that Pet Cats May Trigger New Bird Flu Pandemic

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment, Learning & Developments

A recent study has raised alarms about pet cats potentially becoming carriers of the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus, which has devastated poultry farms in the U.S. over the past two and a half years. Published in the journal Taylor and Francis, the study warns that just one or two mutations in cats could allow the virus to jump to humans, posing significant public health risks. Bird Flu’s Hidden Threat H5N1, responsible for the deaths of over 100 million birds, has remained a limited threat to humans due to its difficulty in transmitting between people. However, scientists fear cats common household pets could serve as a bridge for the virus to evolve and spread more easily. The warning comes after the deaths of 10 cats in South Dakota earlier this year. Researchers found that the cat...

Dec102024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

H5N1 Bird Flu Scientists Warn of Potential Human Transmission Risk

Breaking News, Disasters

The H5N1 bird flu virus, a highly deadly strain responsible for devastating animal populations, is raising alarms in the United States as scientists closely monitor its spread and mutation patterns. New research indicates that the virus may require only one genetic mutation to become capable of human-to-human transmission, prompting heightened vigilance among public health experts. H5N1 is notorious for its lethality, with a fatality rate of 50% among infected humans. So far, human cases have been rare, typically linked to direct contact with infected birds, contaminated environments, or other animals such as poultry and dairy cows. However, the findings published in Science on December 5, 2024, by researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in California, suggest that the virus could...

Dec32024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Scientists Reveal Impact of Shifting Daily Routine by 5 Hours

Breaking News, Learning & Developments

A groundbreaking study has shed light on how our bodies respond to disruptions in daily schedules revealing a stark contrast in how quickly metabolism and sleep-wake cycles recover. The findings have significant implications for shift workers and frequent travelers who routinely face circadian desynchrony, a misalignment between internal body clocks and external environmental cues. The study, led by researchers investigating human circadian rhythms, explored the effects of delaying bedtime by five hours. It focused on how this modest disruption influenced sleep, alertness, and metabolic processes. Participants, aged around 45 and classified as overweight but otherwise healthy, experienced notable changes, particularly in their energy expenditure and blood sugar regulation. Circadian ...

Nov222024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Microplastics Found in Clogged Arteries Linked to Increased Stroke and Heart Attack Risk

Breaking News, Environment, Learning & Developments

Microplastics, tiny plastic fragments that infiltrate human tissues, have been detected in arterial plaques, raising significant concerns about cardiovascular health. A groundbreaking study published in The New England Journal of Medicine explores the association between microplastics in fat-clogged arteries and increased risks of stroke, heart attacks, and death. Led by Dr. Raffaele Marfella from the University of Campania, Naples, the study analyzed fatty deposits removed from 257 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, a surgical procedure to reduce stroke risk. Key findings include: Microplastics Presence: Nearly 60% of the plaques contained polyethylene, commonly found in plastic bags and bottles. Additionally, 12% contained polyvinyl chloride (PVC), used in pipes, flooring,...

Nov212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Tamil Nadu Declares Extreme Heat a State-Specific Disaster: A Welcome Move with Caveats

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

In a significant step towards tackling the growing threats of climate change, the Tamil Nadu government officially notified extreme heat as a State-specific disaster in October. This decision broadens the scope of institutional mechanisms to protect those at risk of heat-related health issues or fatalities, offering a safety net for citizens during deadly heatwaves. However, while the move reflects foresight in addressing climate-induced risks, there are critical aspects that warrant closer scrutiny. Expanded Welfare Responsibilities By recognizing extreme heat as a disaster, Tamil Nadu takes on the responsibility to mitigate its effects, aligning with the broader mandate of public welfare. The notification includes proactive measures such as ensuring access to medical care, provi...

Nov212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

The Hidden Danger of Asbestos in Everyday Products

Breaking News, Environment, Fact Check, Learning & Developments

Asbestos widely used for its heat resistance and durability, has a dark legacy as a carcinogen responsible for mesothelioma, an aggressive and incurable cancer. Its use spanned diverse applications, from construction materials to the fake snow in classic films like The Wizard of Oz and White Christmas. Despite its hazards, asbestos wasn't banned in the UK until 1999, decades after its dangers were established. Today, concerns about asbestos persist not in construction but in cosmetics. Investigations have revealed traces of asbestos in some talc-based products, raising fresh alarms about its hidden risks in everyday items. How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma Asbestos is a group of six fibrous minerals, including chrysotile (white asbestos) and crocidolite (blue asbestos), that can fr...

Nov142024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Toxic Smog Engulfs New Delhi as Air Pollution Soars to 50 Times WHO Limit

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

New Delhi, India – A dense toxic smog blanketed New Delhi on Wednesday, with pollution levels surging to over 50 times the World Health Organization's recommended daily limit. Residents of the sprawling city of over 30 million grappled with choking air, as monitoring firm IQAir reported hazardous levels of PM2.5 pollutants topping 806 micrograms per cubic meter – microparticles that pose severe risks as they can enter the bloodstream through the lungs. Many in the city cannot afford air filters or create sealed indoor spaces to protect themselves, and the smog has led to delayed flights, with visibility dropping below 500 meters in Delhi and even lower at 18 airports across northern India. The hazardous air is attributed to a range of factors, including agricultural stubble burning i...

Nov92024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Urgent Call for Climate Services: New WMO Report Shows Critical Gaps in Climate Information Access

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

As climate change intensifies, so does the urgent need for actionable climate services to help communities mitigate, adapt, and build resilience against increasing risks. A recent multi-agency report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) highlights both progress and pressing gaps in the availability of climate information essential for informed decision-making. Despite advancements in some regions, the report warns that investments in climate services fall far short of what’s needed to address today’s unprecedented environmental challenges. Climate Services in the Spotlight The State of Climate Services 2024 report emphasizes that climate services are more essential than ever to help nations adapt to intensifying climate extremes. From planning crop cycles to preparing for...

Nov92024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

UN Climate Talks Begin Amid Record Heat and Health Warnings

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment, Thoughts & Talks

With record-breaking heat, extreme weather, and rising health risks, experts warn that climate change poses a grave threat to human health worldwide. As the COP29 negotiations open in Azerbaijan next week marking what could be the hottest year on record climate impacts on human well-being are in sharp focus, particularly given increasing global fossil fuel emissions. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted the urgency of climate action, declaring that “climate change is making us sick, and urgent action is a matter of life and death.” Here’s how global warming is already impacting health. Extreme Heat This year is set to be the hottest on record, surpassing previous years and likely marking the first time temperatures exceed 1.5°C above the pre-industrial average. The n...

Jun292024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

FDA Approves First Non-Tobacco Flavored E-Cigarettes, Raises Concerns for Youth

Breaking News, Environment

US Food and Drug Administration authorized the first non-tobacco flavored electronic cigarettes to be sold in the US. Two of the four newly licensed products are sealed, pre-filled containers of menthol-flavored nicotine liquid that can be used in various types of e-cigarettes. The other two are disposable nicotine e-cigarettes meaning the device cannot be reused after the pre-filled menthol liquid has been used. In an interview, Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, a smoking and e-cigarette health policy expert, was asked to explain the downsides of FDA licensing and what it means for vulnerable populations. What does the new announcement from the FDA mean? An electronic cigarette, also known as a vape, is a hand-operated, battery-powered device that heats a liquid to create a vapor that can be...