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Fluoride occurs naturally in most U.S. water sources but at levels too low to strengthen teeth. Since 1945, many U.S. communities have added a small amount of fluoride to water (enough to reach 0.7 mg/L) to help prevent cavities. Current research has not found adverse health effects at these levels. If concentrations reach 2.0 mg/L -- three times higher than in communities with fluoridated water – it can cause dental fluorosis in children or white spotting on teeth. Researchers are still learning about other health effects from exposure at these elevated levels.
WHAT WE KNOW
High concentrations of fluoride can happen in areas where high levels of fluorine naturally occur In the U.S., this affects less than 1% of the population. Research studies on the dangers of fluoride in drinking water are mostly from countries with these high concentrations of fluorine in their soil, and levels of fluoride in water above 2.0 mg/L. These countries do not add fluoride to water, it is there because of high levels in the soil and bedrock.
Fluoridated water has reduced the number of cavities among children, adolescents, and adults, The greatest decrease in cavities was found in the 1900s, before fluoride was added to toothpaste. Still, the effectiveness of fluoride toothpaste in preventing cavities depends on how often toothpaste is used.
The CDC recommends a fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L as an optimal level to help prevent cavities. There is no federal regulation stating that communities must add fluoride to water, this choice happens at a state or municipality level.
If you get water from a town water supply, you can check if your water is fluoridated on the CDC website or your county’s water information page.
If your water is not fluoridated, parents of children can talk to their child’s dentist or pediatrician to see if fluoride supplements are needed.
If fluoride levels in water rise above 2.0 mg/L municipalities are required to alert their community members. This is because these levels increase the risk of dental fluorosis in children, which is a mild condition that causes white spots or pitting on teeth. This can also happen if a child consistently swallows toothpaste.
If you have well water and are concerned about the level of fluoride, you can test your water to determine the concentration. If the levels are above 2mg/L, you can get a filter to help remove fluoride, and if it is above 4 mg/L you should contact your local health department for next steps.
UNKNOWNS
Some studies have linked high fluoride concentrations to lower IQ in children, more information on these studies is available through the National Toxicology Program.
More research is needed on the long-term health effects of higher concentrations of fluoride in water.
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Fluoride occurs naturally in most U.S. water sources but at levels too low to strengthen teeth. Since 1945, many U.S. communities have added a small amount of fluoride to water (enough to reach 0.7 mg/L) to help prevent cavities. Current research has not found adverse health effects at these levels. If concentrations reach 2.0 mg/L -- three times higher than in communities with fluoridated water – it can cause dental fluorosis in children or white spotting on teeth. Researchers are still learning about other health effects from exposure at these elevated levels.
WHAT WE KNOW
High concentrations of fluoride can happen in areas where high levels of fluorine naturally occur In the U.S., this affects less than 1% of the population. Research studies on the dangers of fluoride in drinking water are mostly from countries with these high concentrations of fluorine in their soil, and levels of fluoride in water above 2.0 mg/L. These countries do not add fluoride to water, it is there because of high levels in the soil and bedrock.
Fluoridated water has reduced the number of cavities among children, adolescents, and adults, The greatest decrease in cavities was found in the 1900s, before fluoride was added to toothpaste. Still, the effectiveness of fluoride toothpaste in preventing cavities depends on how often toothpaste is used.
The CDC recommends a fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L as an optimal level to help prevent cavities. There is no federal regulation stating that communities must add fluoride to water, this choice happens at a state or municipality level.
If you get water from a town water supply, you can check if your water is fluoridated on the CDC website or your county’s water information page.
If your water is not fluoridated, parents of children can talk to their child’s dentist or pediatrician to see if fluoride supplements are needed.
If fluoride levels in water rise above 2.0 mg/L municipalities are required to alert their community members. This is because these levels increase the risk of dental fluorosis in children, which is a mild condition that causes white spots or pitting on teeth. This can also happen if a child consistently swallows toothpaste.
If you have well water and are concerned about the level of fluoride, you can test your water to determine the concentration. If the levels are above 2mg/L, you can get a filter to help remove fluoride, and if it is above 4 mg/L you should contact your local health department for next steps.
UNKNOWNS
Some studies have linked high fluoride concentrations to lower IQ in children, more information on these studies is available through the National Toxicology Program.
More research is needed on the long-term health effects of higher concentrations of fluoride in water.
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Latest info suggests this claim is true
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On October 29th, the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed that one pig on a backyard farm in Oregon tested positive for bird flu. The pig was one of five pigs that shared housing, water, and equipment with chickens that were positive for the virus a week earlier. The small farm is not commercial, and this case posed no risk to the country’s food supply, and risk to the public remains low.
WHAT WE KNOW
This marks the first reported case of an H5 bird flu infection in a pig in the United States. The farm is currently quarantined and additional animals on the farm are being monitored, including sheep and goats.
The five pigs exposed to bird flu were euthanized for further testing, one pig was positive, two were negative, and two are awaiting results.
Pigs can get more than one flu virus at the same time, raising concerns that a virus that is able to infect humans and the bird flu virus could both infect a pig simultaneously and combine to become more transferrable to people. A single case of a pig on a non-commercial farm is not enough to raise significant concerns or raise the public risk level.
In other countries in the past, a different strain of bird flu has jumped onto pigs without being transmitted to people.
UNKNOWNS
We are still waiting for test results from two of the pigs, as well as a more thorough diagnostic examination.
Public Health officials continue to monitor bird flu in poultry and dairy farms, in addition to testing other animals that were exposed.
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On October 29th, the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed that one pig on a backyard farm in Oregon tested positive for bird flu. The pig was one of five pigs that shared housing, water, and equipment with chickens that were positive for the virus a week earlier. The small farm is not commercial, and this case posed no risk to the country’s food supply, and risk to the public remains low.
WHAT WE KNOW
This marks the first reported case of an H5 bird flu infection in a pig in the United States. The farm is currently quarantined and additional animals on the farm are being monitored, including sheep and goats.
The five pigs exposed to bird flu were euthanized for further testing, one pig was positive, two were negative, and two are awaiting results.
Pigs can get more than one flu virus at the same time, raising concerns that a virus that is able to infect humans and the bird flu virus could both infect a pig simultaneously and combine to become more transferrable to people. A single case of a pig on a non-commercial farm is not enough to raise significant concerns or raise the public risk level.
In other countries in the past, a different strain of bird flu has jumped onto pigs without being transmitted to people.
UNKNOWNS
We are still waiting for test results from two of the pigs, as well as a more thorough diagnostic examination.
Public Health officials continue to monitor bird flu in poultry and dairy farms, in addition to testing other animals that were exposed.
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People living in Missouri can request free emergency contraceptive kits through the Missouri Family Health Council. Each kit contains two doses of levonorgestrel (Plan B or morning-after pill), condoms and lube, sexual education and consent resources, and information about affordable healthcare providers.
WHAT WE KNOW
To order a kit from Missouri Family Health Council, visit MFHC.org/For-Patients. The emergency contraceptive kits are mailed in discreet packaging and arrive in 5-7 business days. They are meant to be ordered in advance of when they could be needed and kept on hand.
Kits will also be available at St. Louis City’s Health Stop Testing and Referral Center Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.) and in Room 4027 on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In addition, emergency contraceptive kits are available at all three St. Louis County Department of Public Health locations, and at the St. Louis Country Sexual Health Clinic.
Take-home kits for self-testing for sexually transmitted infections are available at other St. Louis locations, including the St. Louis One Stop Health Clinic. St. Louis Planned Parenthood may also offer low-cost STI testing to uninsured St. Louis residents. You can confidentially find out if you qualify by calling (314) 531-7526.
To learn more about contraceptive and sexual health education resources in the St. Louis region, visit the St. Louis County website and the St. Louis City website on sexual health resources.
UNKNOWNS
It has not been announced how long these programs will last.
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People living in Missouri can request free emergency contraceptive kits through the Missouri Family Health Council. Each kit contains two doses of levonorgestrel (Plan B or morning-after pill), condoms and lube, sexual education and consent resources, and information about affordable healthcare providers.
WHAT WE KNOW
To order a kit from Missouri Family Health Council, visit MFHC.org/For-Patients. The emergency contraceptive kits are mailed in discreet packaging and arrive in 5-7 business days. They are meant to be ordered in advance of when they could be needed and kept on hand.
Kits will also be available at St. Louis City’s Health Stop Testing and Referral Center Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.) and in Room 4027 on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In addition, emergency contraceptive kits are available at all three St. Louis County Department of Public Health locations, and at the St. Louis Country Sexual Health Clinic.
Take-home kits for self-testing for sexually transmitted infections are available at other St. Louis locations, including the St. Louis One Stop Health Clinic. St. Louis Planned Parenthood may also offer low-cost STI testing to uninsured St. Louis residents. You can confidentially find out if you qualify by calling (314) 531-7526.
To learn more about contraceptive and sexual health education resources in the St. Louis region, visit the St. Louis County website and the St. Louis City website on sexual health resources.
UNKNOWNS
It has not been announced how long these programs will last.
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Black plastic kitchen utensils like spatulas and take-out containers may contain flame retardants, a substance that has been linked to serious health effects on hormones, learning and memory, reproductive health, and cancer. Items made from recycled black plastic and recycled materials are contaminated with chemicals that leech out from recycled electronics. People should consider throwing out (and not recycling) black plastic items that may touch food and replacing them with stainless steel, wood, or glass. Black plastic in children’s toys also should be avoided.
WHAT WE KNOW
Flame retardants are commonly used in electronics. Plastics from these electronic items often gets recycled, and then winds up in items like black spatulas, fast food containers, and children toys made from black plastic.
A study published October 1st of 2024 tested 203 black plastic products in the U.S. and found flame retardants in 85% of them. These findings are supported by other research studies in Africa, Asia, and Europe which also found flame retardants in black plastic household products.
Health concerns from exposure to these flame retardants include increased risk of cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity among other negative health effects.
People are exposed to flame retardants from electronics every day from small particles in dust. The levels of flame retardants found in the black plastic products was higher than what someone would be exposed to in the environment on a day-to-day basis. It is also a concern that all the little exposures could add up. The flame retardants in cooking utensils contaminate food, and can directly move into someone's saliva if a child is chewing on a toy or black plastic item.
More transparency is needed in the supply chain of electronics and in recycling to reduce the chance of harmful chemicals ending up in household items.
UNKNOWNS
Items tested in this study included hair accessories, toys including cars with black plastic undersides, black cooking utensils, and black take-out food containers. Additional studies are needed to better understand what products are contaminated by flame retardants.
Despite its ban, decaBDE (a flame retardant chemical) was found in 70% of samples, at levels 5 to 1,200 times above the EU limit of 10 ppm. Additional regulatory efforts on the use of flame retardants in electronics, particularly those that would push for non-toxic alternatives would help reduce the risk of exposure to these chemicals.
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Black plastic kitchen utensils like spatulas and take-out containers may contain flame retardants, a substance that has been linked to serious health effects on hormones, learning and memory, reproductive health, and cancer. Items made from recycled black plastic and recycled materials are contaminated with chemicals that leech out from recycled electronics. People should consider throwing out (and not recycling) black plastic items that may touch food and replacing them with stainless steel, wood, or glass. Black plastic in children’s toys also should be avoided.
WHAT WE KNOW
Flame retardants are commonly used in electronics. Plastics from these electronic items often gets recycled, and then winds up in items like black spatulas, fast food containers, and children toys made from black plastic.
A study published October 1st of 2024 tested 203 black plastic products in the U.S. and found flame retardants in 85% of them. These findings are supported by other research studies in Africa, Asia, and Europe which also found flame retardants in black plastic household products.
Health concerns from exposure to these flame retardants include increased risk of cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity among other negative health effects.
People are exposed to flame retardants from electronics every day from small particles in dust. The levels of flame retardants found in the black plastic products was higher than what someone would be exposed to in the environment on a day-to-day basis. It is also a concern that all the little exposures could add up. The flame retardants in cooking utensils contaminate food, and can directly move into someone's saliva if a child is chewing on a toy or black plastic item.
More transparency is needed in the supply chain of electronics and in recycling to reduce the chance of harmful chemicals ending up in household items.
UNKNOWNS
Items tested in this study included hair accessories, toys including cars with black plastic undersides, black cooking utensils, and black take-out food containers. Additional studies are needed to better understand what products are contaminated by flame retardants.
Despite its ban, decaBDE (a flame retardant chemical) was found in 70% of samples, at levels 5 to 1,200 times above the EU limit of 10 ppm. Additional regulatory efforts on the use of flame retardants in electronics, particularly those that would push for non-toxic alternatives would help reduce the risk of exposure to these chemicals.
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On October 7th, the FDA approved the sale of take-home combo tests that can detect COVID and the flu in about 15 minutes. The combo tests work the same way as nasal swab self-COVID tests, but they detect both COVID and flu strains A and B. The combo tests are available to buy at most pharmacies. Like COVID-only tests, the FDA recommends two tests 48 hours apart if you get a negative result.
WHAT WE KNOW
In considering which test to use, if you have a recent known COVID exposure and start having symptoms, a COVID-only test is likely enough. Otherwise, it can be helpful to use a combo test if you are able to afford the extra cost.
A combo flu and COVID test generally cost between $40-$50 for two tests. If you have a Health Savings Account, you may be able to use it to cover this cost, and you can reach out to your health insurance provider to see if they will reimburse you.
It is important to read all directions when taking the combo test even if you have taken many COVID tests before. The combo flu test is mostly similar but may include a battery powered device that spins the sample to separate the viral particles. Some versions of the combo test also take 30 minutes to show results.
For people who may be at higher risk of complications from COVID or the flu, it can be helpful to know which virus you have early on as anti-viral treatments for both are more effective when started early. People who are considered at risk include pregnant people, people with asthma and chronic lung disease, diabetes (including gestational diabetes), or heart disease.
The new combo COVID test is the first take-home test that detects both COVID and flu strains A and B. Like self-COVID tests, people aged 14 and older can take and test their own sample, and those 2 years to 13 years of age should have the sample taken and tested by an adult.
Anyone who tests positive for COVID or the flu should seek follow up care with their healthcare provider and avoid spreading the virus to others. People who test negative but still experience symptoms should also follow up with their healthcare provider.
UNKNOWNS
As technology improves, instructions or methods for this test may change. It is important to always read the directions on a test before use.
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On October 7th, the FDA approved the sale of take-home combo tests that can detect COVID and the flu in about 15 minutes. The combo tests work the same way as nasal swab self-COVID tests, but they detect both COVID and flu strains A and B. The combo tests are available to buy at most pharmacies. Like COVID-only tests, the FDA recommends two tests 48 hours apart if you get a negative result.
WHAT WE KNOW
In considering which test to use, if you have a recent known COVID exposure and start having symptoms, a COVID-only test is likely enough. Otherwise, it can be helpful to use a combo test if you are able to afford the extra cost.
A combo flu and COVID test generally cost between $40-$50 for two tests. If you have a Health Savings Account, you may be able to use it to cover this cost, and you can reach out to your health insurance provider to see if they will reimburse you.
It is important to read all directions when taking the combo test even if you have taken many COVID tests before. The combo flu test is mostly similar but may include a battery powered device that spins the sample to separate the viral particles. Some versions of the combo test also take 30 minutes to show results.
For people who may be at higher risk of complications from COVID or the flu, it can be helpful to know which virus you have early on as anti-viral treatments for both are more effective when started early. People who are considered at risk include pregnant people, people with asthma and chronic lung disease, diabetes (including gestational diabetes), or heart disease.
The new combo COVID test is the first take-home test that detects both COVID and flu strains A and B. Like self-COVID tests, people aged 14 and older can take and test their own sample, and those 2 years to 13 years of age should have the sample taken and tested by an adult.
Anyone who tests positive for COVID or the flu should seek follow up care with their healthcare provider and avoid spreading the virus to others. People who test negative but still experience symptoms should also follow up with their healthcare provider.
UNKNOWNS
As technology improves, instructions or methods for this test may change. It is important to always read the directions on a test before use.
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Pneumonia cases caused by M. pneumoniae, often called “walking pneumonia,” are increasing since late spring of 2024, especially among children. Symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, and a persistent cough that gets worse over time. Younger children may have different symptoms like diarrhea, sneezing, sore throat, vomiting, watery eyes, a runny nose and wheezing. Parents should take their child to a healthcare provider if they develop persistent or worsening symptoms like those described above.
WHAT WE KNOW
“Walking pneumonia” is a form of mild pneumonia often caused by the bacteria M. pneumoniae. It is called “walking pneumonia” because people may seem better than expected for someone with a lung infection.
The respiratory disease is spread through inhaling droplets after someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be spread by touching a contaminated surface then touching your eyes, mouth or nose.
The cases of pneumonia caused by M. pneumoniae have increased over the past six months among all age groups but highest among children 2-4 years. This increase is notable for young children because pneumoniae in this age group was historically not caused by M. pneumoniae and the bacteria typically affected school aged children and young adults.
M. pneumoniae infections are typically mild, but can lead to severe complications in some cases. Preventative measures for walking pneumonia are the same as other respiratory viruses and include washing hands often and covering coughs and sneezes.
UNKNOWNS
Researchers are still learning why the rates of M. pneumoniae increased in young children when it has historically been seen mainly in school aged children and young adults.
Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent M. pneumoniae infection, but research is ongoing.
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Pneumonia cases caused by M. pneumoniae, often called “walking pneumonia,” are increasing since late spring of 2024, especially among children. Symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, and a persistent cough that gets worse over time. Younger children may have different symptoms like diarrhea, sneezing, sore throat, vomiting, watery eyes, a runny nose and wheezing. Parents should take their child to a healthcare provider if they develop persistent or worsening symptoms like those described above.
WHAT WE KNOW
“Walking pneumonia” is a form of mild pneumonia often caused by the bacteria M. pneumoniae. It is called “walking pneumonia” because people may seem better than expected for someone with a lung infection.
The respiratory disease is spread through inhaling droplets after someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be spread by touching a contaminated surface then touching your eyes, mouth or nose.
The cases of pneumonia caused by M. pneumoniae have increased over the past six months among all age groups but highest among children 2-4 years. This increase is notable for young children because pneumoniae in this age group was historically not caused by M. pneumoniae and the bacteria typically affected school aged children and young adults.
M. pneumoniae infections are typically mild, but can lead to severe complications in some cases. Preventative measures for walking pneumonia are the same as other respiratory viruses and include washing hands often and covering coughs and sneezes.
UNKNOWNS
Researchers are still learning why the rates of M. pneumoniae increased in young children when it has historically been seen mainly in school aged children and young adults.
Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent M. pneumoniae infection, but research is ongoing.
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Fluoride occurs naturally in most U.S. water sources but at levels too low to strengthen teeth. Since 1945, many U.S. communities have added a small amount of fluoride to water (enough to reach 0.7 mg/L) to help prevent cavities. Current research has not found adverse health effects at these levels. If concentrations reach 2.0 mg/L -- three times higher than in communities with fluoridated water – it can cause dental fluorosis in children or white spotting on teeth. Researchers are still learning about other health effects from exposure at these elevated levels.
WHAT WE KNOW
High concentrations of fluoride can happen in areas where high levels of fluorine naturally occur In the U.S., this affects less than 1% of the population. Research studies on the dangers of fluoride in drinking water are mostly from countries with these high concentrations of fluorine in their soil, and levels of fluoride in water above 2.0 mg/L. These countries do not add fluoride to water, it is there because of high levels in the soil and bedrock.
Fluoridated water has reduced the number of cavities among children, adolescents, and adults, The greatest decrease in cavities was found in the 1900s, before fluoride was added to toothpaste. Still, the effectiveness of fluoride toothpaste in preventing cavities depends on how often toothpaste is used.
The CDC recommends a fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L as an optimal level to help prevent cavities. There is no federal regulation stating that communities must add fluoride to water, this choice happens at a state or municipality level.
If you get water from a town water supply, you can check if your water is fluoridated on the CDC website or your county’s water information page.
If your water is not fluoridated, parents of children can talk to their child’s dentist or pediatrician to see if fluoride supplements are needed.
If fluoride levels in water rise above 2.0 mg/L municipalities are required to alert their community members. This is because these levels increase the risk of dental fluorosis in children, which is a mild condition that causes white spots or pitting on teeth. This can also happen if a child consistently swallows toothpaste.
If you have well water and are concerned about the level of fluoride, you can test your water to determine the concentration. If the levels are above 2mg/L, you can get a filter to help remove fluoride, and if it is above 4 mg/L you should contact your local health department for next steps.
UNKNOWNS
Some studies have linked high fluoride concentrations to lower IQ in children, more information on these studies is available through the National Toxicology Program.
More research is needed on the long-term health effects of higher concentrations of fluoride in water.
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On October 29th, the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed that one pig on a backyard farm in Oregon tested positive for bird flu. The pig was one of five pigs that shared housing, water, and equipment with chickens that were positive for the virus a week earlier. The small farm is not commercial, and this case posed no risk to the country’s food supply, and risk to the public remains low.
WHAT WE KNOW
This marks the first reported case of an H5 bird flu infection in a pig in the United States. The farm is currently quarantined and additional animals on the farm are being monitored, including sheep and goats.
The five pigs exposed to bird flu were euthanized for further testing, one pig was positive, two were negative, and two are awaiting results.
Pigs can get more than one flu virus at the same time, raising concerns that a virus that is able to infect humans and the bird flu virus could both infect a pig simultaneously and combine to become more transferrable to people. A single case of a pig on a non-commercial farm is not enough to raise significant concerns or raise the public risk level.
In other countries in the past, a different strain of bird flu has jumped onto pigs without being transmitted to people.
UNKNOWNS
We are still waiting for test results from two of the pigs, as well as a more thorough diagnostic examination.
Public Health officials continue to monitor bird flu in poultry and dairy farms, in addition to testing other animals that were exposed.
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People living in Missouri can request free emergency contraceptive kits through the Missouri Family Health Council. Each kit contains two doses of levonorgestrel (Plan B or morning-after pill), condoms and lube, sexual education and consent resources, and information about affordable healthcare providers.
WHAT WE KNOW
To order a kit from Missouri Family Health Council, visit MFHC.org/For-Patients. The emergency contraceptive kits are mailed in discreet packaging and arrive in 5-7 business days. They are meant to be ordered in advance of when they could be needed and kept on hand.
Kits will also be available at St. Louis City’s Health Stop Testing and Referral Center Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.) and in Room 4027 on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In addition, emergency contraceptive kits are available at all three St. Louis County Department of Public Health locations, and at the St. Louis Country Sexual Health Clinic.
Take-home kits for self-testing for sexually transmitted infections are available at other St. Louis locations, including the St. Louis One Stop Health Clinic. St. Louis Planned Parenthood may also offer low-cost STI testing to uninsured St. Louis residents. You can confidentially find out if you qualify by calling (314) 531-7526.
To learn more about contraceptive and sexual health education resources in the St. Louis region, visit the St. Louis County website and the St. Louis City website on sexual health resources.
UNKNOWNS
It has not been announced how long these programs will last.
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Black plastic kitchen utensils like spatulas and take-out containers may contain flame retardants, a substance that has been linked to serious health effects on hormones, learning and memory, reproductive health, and cancer. Items made from recycled black plastic and recycled materials are contaminated with chemicals that leech out from recycled electronics. People should consider throwing out (and not recycling) black plastic items that may touch food and replacing them with stainless steel, wood, or glass. Black plastic in children’s toys also should be avoided.
WHAT WE KNOW
Flame retardants are commonly used in electronics. Plastics from these electronic items often gets recycled, and then winds up in items like black spatulas, fast food containers, and children toys made from black plastic.
A study published October 1st of 2024 tested 203 black plastic products in the U.S. and found flame retardants in 85% of them. These findings are supported by other research studies in Africa, Asia, and Europe which also found flame retardants in black plastic household products.
Health concerns from exposure to these flame retardants include increased risk of cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity among other negative health effects.
People are exposed to flame retardants from electronics every day from small particles in dust. The levels of flame retardants found in the black plastic products was higher than what someone would be exposed to in the environment on a day-to-day basis. It is also a concern that all the little exposures could add up. The flame retardants in cooking utensils contaminate food, and can directly move into someone's saliva if a child is chewing on a toy or black plastic item.
More transparency is needed in the supply chain of electronics and in recycling to reduce the chance of harmful chemicals ending up in household items.
UNKNOWNS
Items tested in this study included hair accessories, toys including cars with black plastic undersides, black cooking utensils, and black take-out food containers. Additional studies are needed to better understand what products are contaminated by flame retardants.
Despite its ban, decaBDE (a flame retardant chemical) was found in 70% of samples, at levels 5 to 1,200 times above the EU limit of 10 ppm. Additional regulatory efforts on the use of flame retardants in electronics, particularly those that would push for non-toxic alternatives would help reduce the risk of exposure to these chemicals.
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heard this concern.
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On October 7th, the FDA approved the sale of take-home combo tests that can detect COVID and the flu in about 15 minutes. The combo tests work the same way as nasal swab self-COVID tests, but they detect both COVID and flu strains A and B. The combo tests are available to buy at most pharmacies. Like COVID-only tests, the FDA recommends two tests 48 hours apart if you get a negative result.
WHAT WE KNOW
In considering which test to use, if you have a recent known COVID exposure and start having symptoms, a COVID-only test is likely enough. Otherwise, it can be helpful to use a combo test if you are able to afford the extra cost.
A combo flu and COVID test generally cost between $40-$50 for two tests. If you have a Health Savings Account, you may be able to use it to cover this cost, and you can reach out to your health insurance provider to see if they will reimburse you.
It is important to read all directions when taking the combo test even if you have taken many COVID tests before. The combo flu test is mostly similar but may include a battery powered device that spins the sample to separate the viral particles. Some versions of the combo test also take 30 minutes to show results.
For people who may be at higher risk of complications from COVID or the flu, it can be helpful to know which virus you have early on as anti-viral treatments for both are more effective when started early. People who are considered at risk include pregnant people, people with asthma and chronic lung disease, diabetes (including gestational diabetes), or heart disease.
The new combo COVID test is the first take-home test that detects both COVID and flu strains A and B. Like self-COVID tests, people aged 14 and older can take and test their own sample, and those 2 years to 13 years of age should have the sample taken and tested by an adult.
Anyone who tests positive for COVID or the flu should seek follow up care with their healthcare provider and avoid spreading the virus to others. People who test negative but still experience symptoms should also follow up with their healthcare provider.
UNKNOWNS
As technology improves, instructions or methods for this test may change. It is important to always read the directions on a test before use.
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heard this concern.
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Pneumonia cases caused by M. pneumoniae, often called “walking pneumonia,” are increasing since late spring of 2024, especially among children. Symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, and a persistent cough that gets worse over time. Younger children may have different symptoms like diarrhea, sneezing, sore throat, vomiting, watery eyes, a runny nose and wheezing. Parents should take their child to a healthcare provider if they develop persistent or worsening symptoms like those described above.
WHAT WE KNOW
“Walking pneumonia” is a form of mild pneumonia often caused by the bacteria M. pneumoniae. It is called “walking pneumonia” because people may seem better than expected for someone with a lung infection.
The respiratory disease is spread through inhaling droplets after someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be spread by touching a contaminated surface then touching your eyes, mouth or nose.
The cases of pneumonia caused by M. pneumoniae have increased over the past six months among all age groups but highest among children 2-4 years. This increase is notable for young children because pneumoniae in this age group was historically not caused by M. pneumoniae and the bacteria typically affected school aged children and young adults.
M. pneumoniae infections are typically mild, but can lead to severe complications in some cases. Preventative measures for walking pneumonia are the same as other respiratory viruses and include washing hands often and covering coughs and sneezes.
UNKNOWNS
Researchers are still learning why the rates of M. pneumoniae increased in young children when it has historically been seen mainly in school aged children and young adults.
Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent M. pneumoniae infection, but research is ongoing.
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