#consumer-health

#consumer-health

Federal regulators have issued warnings that unapproved exosomes could leave customers with severe skin infections. As procedures like exosome therapy become more popular, they draw attention to the potential threat to consumer health posed in some Florida med spas. In their rush to obtain the newest, buzziest treatments, customers may be injected with unapproved, mislabeled or even outright toxic substances.

But experts from Silent Spring Institute have now discovered several 'chemicals of concern' in these additions - including those made from human hair. In their study, the team screened 43 popular products sold online for a wide range of chemicals. Their analysis uncovered traces of dozens of chemicals, including flame retardants, phthalates, pesticides, styrene, tetrachloroethane, and organotins. Worryingly, previous research has shown that these substances are linked with cancer, hormone disruption, developmental problems, and effects on the immune system.

For much of the past century, doctors had a near-monopoly on medical knowledge. That is changing fast. There is a whole parallel system rising up, powered by consumer health. Anywhere there is a gap - in getting care, answers or reassurance - commercial players are jumping in. Health tech start-ups, apps, diagnostics, online clinics, influencers - they are all competing for authority, and figuring out how to monetise it.

OpenAI wants to make sure that any medical information you get from ChatGPT is as accurate as possible. Approximately 40 million people a day rely on ChatGPT for medical questions. In response, OpenAI announced ChatGPT Health, a "dedicated experience" in ChatGPT that's centered around health and wellness. The feature will enable you to combine your medical records and wearable data with the AI's intelligence, "to ground conversations in your own health information," according to OpenAI. You can use it to help you prepare for your next appointment, plan questions to ask your doctor, receive customized diet plans or workout routines, and more.

CES 2026 is here. While the official event begins Tuesday, ZDNET's team of experts has already gotten an early look at some of the most exciting tech stories coming out of Las Vegas.

Prenetics Global Limited said it has ended its bitcoin purchasing program and will redirect its capital and strategic focus entirely toward IM8, its fast-growing consumer health and longevity brand co-founded with David Beckham. The Nasdaq-listed health sciences company said it ceased daily bitcoin purchases on Dec. 4, following approval from its board of directors, and will not pursue future acquisitions of the cryptocurrency.

Research has shown that synthetic fabrics, particularly from fast fashion retailers, are often treated with a range of hazardous chemicals - including dyes containing heavy metals such as lead, antimicrobial agents, and anti wrinkle treatments - that can cause allergic reactions such as skin irritation or respiratory issues in some people. If you have had an allergic reaction, or more serious health effects, that you suspect have been caused by your clothes we want to hear from you.

In late 2008 and early 2009, the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) was at the center of one of America's most lethal food safety outbreaks.

The Independent is committed to uncovering the facts surrounding crucial issues like reproductive rights and climate change, ensuring balanced reporting without paywalls.

The difference in Froot Loops' colors in the U.S. and Canada highlights a potential shift in consumer preferences, with growing pressure for natural alternatives.