Health
Pregnant people exposed to cancer-linked chemicals in household items, dyes – study
Pregnant people are being exposed through various household products to toxic compounds that can increase the risk of cancer and harm child development, a new study has found.
Scientists identified two such compounds — the industrial chemical melamine and its byproduct cyanuric acid — in the urine of almost all the pregnant subjects they tested, with the highest levels occurring in women of color and in those with greater exposure to tobacco.
Four types of chemicals used in dyes, called aromatic amines, were also present in the urine of nearly all pregnant participants, according to the study, published in Chemosphere on Tuesday.
“These chemicals are of serious concern due to their links to cancer and developmental toxicity, yet they are not routinely monitored in the United States,” co-senior author Tracey Woodruff, a professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, said in a statement.
Woodruff and her colleagues decided to investigate the presence of melamine, its derivative cyanuric acid and aromatic amines because they are all nitrogen-containing compounds with known toxicity and widespread commercial use.
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People can be exposed to melamine and aromatic amines in a variety of way of ways: by breathing polluted air, consuming contaminated food or water, ingesting household dust and using products that contain plastic, dyes and pigments, the scientists explained.
The production of cyanuric acid and melamine exceeds 100 million pounds per year in the U.S. alone, according to the authors. Melamine is found in dishwater, plastics, flooring, kitchen counters and pesticides, while cyanuric acid is used as a disinfectant, plastic stabilizer and cleaning solvent in swimming pools, the scientists noted.
When exposure to melamine and cyanuric acid chemicals happens simultaneously, they can be more toxic than either one alone, the authors cautioned.
Aromatic amines, meanwhile, are present in hair dyes, mascara, tattoo ink, paint, tobacco smoke and diesel exhaust.
Despite the prevalence of these chemicals in household products, the authors stressed that biomonitoring of the chemicals is lacking, particularly during pregnancy.
Melamine was recognized as a kidney toxin after baby formula and pet food poisoning events in 2004, 2007 and 2008 left several individuals dead and caused kidney stones and urinary tract obstructions in others, according to the authors.
Additional research from animal experiments, they added, has suggested that melamine impedes brain function.
To draw their conclusions in the Chemosphere study, the researchers measured 45 chemicals linked to cancer and other health risks in urine samples from a small but diverse group of 171 pregnant people.
The subjects had participated in the National Institutes of Health’s Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Program between 2008 and 2020.
The 171 participants came from California, Georgia, Illinois, New Hampshire, New York and Puerto Rico, according to the study.
About 34 percent of them were white, 40 percent were Latina, 20 percent were Black, 4 percent were Asian and the remaining 3 percent were from other or multiple ethnicities.
Levels of one of the aromatic amines, 3,4-dichloroaniline, were more than 100-percent higher among Black and Hispanic women in comparison to white women, the study found.
“It’s disconcerting that we continue to find higher levels of many of these harmful chemicals in people of color,” study co-senior author Jessie Buckley, an associate professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said in a statement.
Giehae Choi, a postdoctoral fellow at the Bloomberg School of Public Health and first author of the study, stressed that their observations “raise concerns for the health of pregnant women and fetuses.”
“Some of these chemicals are known carcinogens and potential developmental toxicants,” Choi added. “Regulatory action is clearly needed to limit exposure.”
Health
Men Encouraged to Ejaculate More to Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk
Men Encouraged to Ejaculate More to Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk
A new health initiative by FCancer is encouraging men to increase ejaculation frequency as part of broader efforts to protect prostate health. Branded “Beat Cancer Off,” the campaign promotes at least 21 ejaculations per month, citing research that links higher ejaculation frequency with a lower risk of prostate cancer.
The recommendation is based on a long-term study tracking over 50,000 men since 1986, led by Dr. Lorelei Mucci, a professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The research found that men who ejaculated 21 or more times per month had a 19–22% lower risk of prostate cancer than men with lower frequencies. Even men who ejaculated around eight times per month showed modest reductions in risk, demonstrating a potential benefit across a range of activity levels.
While the exact biological mechanisms are still under study, experts believe that frequent ejaculation may help flush out carcinogens, reduce inflammation, or influence gene expression in prostate tissue. Dr. Mucci emphasised that the “21 times” figure is a statistical benchmark rather than a strict requirement, and the key takeaway is that more frequent ejaculation may offer a protective effect.
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FCancer co-founder Yael Cohen explained that the campaign uses humor to engage men in discussions about prostate cancer awareness and screening. “The goal isn’t just frequency — it’s about prompting men to talk to their doctor, get screened, and understand their personal risk,” she said. Cohen highlighted that while the message may seem lighthearted, it serves as a gateway to encourage men to take proactive steps in their health.
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in US men, with about 1 in 8 men diagnosed during their lifetime. It is also the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in men, behind lung cancer. Health experts caution that while ejaculation frequency may offer potential benefits, regular screenings, healthy lifestyle choices, and medical monitoring remain crucial for prevention and early detection.
Ultimately, the campaign seeks to break down barriers surrounding men’s health, highlighting a research-backed approach that combines both preventive habits and medical guidance. As Cohen notes, “It’s about putting your health in your own hands — literally — and then consulting your doctor to stay protected.”
Men Encouraged to Ejaculate More to Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk
Health
NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Fake Cerelac Mixed Fruits, Wheat in Lagos
NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Fake Cerelac Mixed Fruits, Wheat in Lagos
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a fresh public alert warning Nigerians about the circulation of counterfeit and unregistered Cerelac products in Lagos, raising serious concerns over infant health risks.
The agency disclosed that the alert followed a complaint received by Nestlé Nigeria Plc, the official Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH) of Cerelac in Nigeria. The complaint involved a suspicious batch of Cerelac Mixed Fruits and Wheat bearing Batch Code 308002910, allegedly manufactured by Nestlé Spain.
According to NAFDAC, the complainant reported that the product emitted a strange odour resembling fuel contamination, raising immediate red flags about its safety.
Further investigation by Nestlé Nigeria revealed that although the product displayed an expiry date of October 2026, it had in fact already expired—indicating that the date had been tampered with or revalidated, a common tactic used in the distribution of counterfeit food items.
NAFDAC’s Post Marketing Surveillance (PMS) Directorate subsequently carried out an inspection at Maxland Shopping Centre, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos, where the product was originally purchased. During the operation, officials discovered the fake Cerelac products on sale and immediately mopped them up from circulation.
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The agency also highlighted a key distinguishing feature to help consumers identify the counterfeit product:
- Fake product: Uses a hyphen (-) in date formatting
- Original product: Uses a slash (/) in date formatting
NAFDAC noted that Nestlé Nigeria Plc is not aware of the distribution channels through which the counterfeit products entered the Nigerian market, raising further concerns about supply chain breaches.
The regulatory body warned that fake baby food products may lack essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, potentially leading to stunted growth, developmental complications, or severe health consequences, including death in extreme cases.
To curb the spread, NAFDAC has directed all its zonal directors and state coordinators nationwide to intensify surveillance and ensure the removal of any revalidated or falsified Cerelac products from circulation.
The agency also urged distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to remain vigilant and avoid dealing in unverified products.
Consumers and healthcare workers are encouraged to report any suspicious products to the nearest NAFDAC office or through official channels, including the agency’s hotline and email reporting system.
NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of regulated products, stressing that it will continue aggressive monitoring to protect public health.
NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Fake Cerelac Mixed Fruits, Wheat in Lagos
Health
Kidney Failure: Experts Warn Nigerians to Drink Water, Exercise, Rest
Kidney Failure: Experts Warn Nigerians to Drink Water, Exercise, Rest
At 42, Chinedu never imagined that frequent soft drink consumption, lack of sleep, and untreated high blood pressure could threaten his life. By the time symptoms appeared, his kidneys were already failing, and the cost of treatment—running into nearly ₦1 million monthly for dialysis—was far beyond his reach.
Chinedu’s story reflects a growing health crisis in Nigeria, where dozens of patients arrive at hospitals daily unaware they are battling Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Experts warn that the disease often progresses silently, with symptoms only appearing at advanced stages when treatment becomes difficult, expensive, and emotionally draining.
According to Dr. Nmadu Danladi, Consultant Nephrologist at the Federal Medical Centre Ebute Metta, kidneys are “silent workers” that many people ignore until it is too late. He explained that unlike other organs, kidney problems rarely show early warning signs, which is why late presentation is common.
He described kidney failure as devastating on multiple levels—physically, emotionally, and financially—not just for patients but also for their families, who often bear the cost of long-term care.
Medical experts attribute the rising burden of kidney disease to lifestyle-related conditions such as Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus, both of which are leading causes of kidney damage globally. Poor dietary habits, including excessive salt intake, high consumption of processed foods, and sugary drinks, are also major contributors.
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To reduce the risk, nephrologists recommend five key lifestyle measures: drink plenty of water, get adequate rest, exercise regularly, reduce salt and red meat intake, and undergo routine medical check-ups. These simple habits, they say, can significantly lower the chances of developing kidney disease.
Hydration, in particular, plays a critical role in maintaining kidney function. Experts advise that men should consume about 2.7 litres of water daily and women about 2.5 litres, with higher intake recommended in hot weather conditions common across Nigeria—sometimes up to 3.5–4 litres daily.
They stress that early detection remains the most effective way to prevent irreversible damage. Kidney disease can often be managed in its early stages through medication and lifestyle adjustments, preventing progression to full kidney failure.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently warned about the rising prevalence of kidney disease, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to treatment is limited and expensive.
In Nigeria, the cost of managing kidney failure remains a major challenge. Dialysis sessions typically cost between ₦40,000 and ₦50,000 per session, with patients requiring multiple sessions weekly to survive. This places treatment far beyond the reach of many households.
However, government interventions are beginning to offer some relief. At the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, dialysis has been subsidised to about ₦12,000 per session, significantly reducing the burden on patients.
Despite this, demand continues to rise. The hospital now conducts between 300 and 350 dialysis sessions monthly, averaging 20 to 25 sessions daily, while recording two to three new emergency kidney failure cases every day—a trend experts describe as alarming.
Health professionals also warn against the abuse of over-the-counter painkillers, which can damage the kidneys when used excessively, as well as untreated infections and herbal remedies of unknown composition.
They emphasise that World Kidney Day, observed every second Thursday in March, serves as a reminder of the importance of kidney health and early screening.
Ultimately, experts agree that prevention is far more affordable and effective than treatment. With kidney disease often progressing unnoticed, Nigerians are urged to prioritise their health through proper hydration, healthy living, and regular medical checks.
They warn that without urgent lifestyle changes and increased awareness, the burden of kidney disease will continue to rise—placing more families at risk of devastating financial and emotional strain.
Kidney Failure: Experts Warn Nigerians to Drink Water, Exercise, Rest
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