On August 5, 2015, workers for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) caused the release of 3 million gallons of heavy metal contaminated wastewater while attempting to enter the defunct Gold King Mine in Southern Colorado. This release of toxic wastewater ultimately flowed into the Animas and San Juan rivers, causing the water to turn… read more
Author: Margaret Moses Branch
The FDA safety communication issued a warning to the general public and the medical community that the agency is monitoring the side effects of SGLT2 inhibitors to determine whether changes need to be made in the prescribing protocol of the drug. The FDA wants patients to report any unusual side effects after starting the drug… read more
Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer
The use of talcum powder in the genital region causes particles of talc to enter the vagina and travel to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The particles reach the ovaries and cause significant irritation that leads to cancer. The first study linking talcum powder and ovarian cancer was published in the 1970s when researchers… read more
In order to prevent dangerous blood clots from moving into the lungs and causing a pulmonary embolism, surgeons implant patients with IVC (inferior vena cava) filters. IVC filters are retrievable, wire devices designed to catch blood clots in the bloodstream before they migrate to the lungs, allowing for dissipation of the clots over time. These… read more
F.D.A. Orders More Studies On The Risks Associated With Transvaginal Mesh
As anticipated, last week the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an order requiring more studies on the risks of transvaginal mesh by manufacturers. Transvaginal mesh – also referred to as vaginal mesh and pelvic mesh – has come under fire after years of reports linking serious injuries to the devices. In September, an F.D.A…. read more
Many Consumer Products May Expose People To Risk Of Mesothelioma
A recent report published by a California firm has concluded that many consumer products contain a form of asbestos called tremolite asbestos. Tremolite asbestos is a non-commercial form of asbestos and like all other types of asbestos, carries the risk of asbestosis, lung cancer, and malignant mesothelioma. Although the greatest risk of developing one of… read more
Yaz Required To Provide New Information On Warning Labels
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently issued documents recommending that birth control pills such as Yaz should contain additional warnings concerning the risk of blood clots. The FDA noted that patients and doctors should be informed about the risks. A statement from FDA scientists provides, “We believe that, because of the consistency in… read more
Joint Commission Makes Recommendations On Use Of Transvaginal Mesh
A recent report issued jointly by the American College of Obstetricians and the American Urogynecologic Society details vaginal mesh recommendations, including that the mesh should only be used for certain high-risk women. The safety and efficacy of the synthetic mesh, also known as transvaginal mesh or bladder mesh, has been called in question, making its… read more
Investigation Reveals Asbestos Abatement Workers Subject To Asbestos Exposure And Safety Violations
In an effort to remove asbestos, a dangerous mineral shown to cause cancer when inhaled, many companies and building owners hire “asbestos abatement” professionals to help remove the toxic substance. Numerous buildings throughout the United States and New Mexico still contain asbestos, often used in insulation and other building materials. Further, homes built as late… read more
Mesothelioma May Be Caused By Even Brief Asbestos Exposure
The International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health report previously that even brief exposure to asbestos may lead to the development of mesothelioma. The reported case detailed the situation of a 58-year-old man who developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos-containing gaskets during a summer job. He had no additional exposure. Mesothelioma is a rare… read more