Many sunscreens and diaper rash creams contain topical zinc oxide, a form of the mineral zinc. You can also find zinc oxide in oral over-the-counter supplements. Safety in pregnancy depends on the type of zinc oxide exposure and the dose. Do not...
Radiation has known negative effects on your body. Radiation naturally occurs in the environment and food supply, through radioactive materials such as rocks, soil and air. Common sources of exposure include nuclear accidents, nuclear bomb...
The immune system is responsible for keeping your body healthy and safe from attack by bacteria, viral and fungal infections. The immune system also helps the body heal wounds and damage to the skin or internal organs. Protecting you from germs,...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency explains that beta particles are used in the medical field for diagnosis, imaging and treatment of various conditions. Radiation is the release of energy particles and rays from atoms. There are several...
Radon is a radioactive gas found in soil and rocks. Considered a human health hazard, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has deemed no level of exposure to radon is safe; therefore, its use is restricted. However, this may be...
Cadmium is a heavy metal that is highly toxic, even in low doses. The most common uses of cadmium include electroplating, some industrial paints and some types of batteries. Lethal exposure to cadmium sometimes occurs when welders have unknowingly...
While the term "radiation" is quite generic, encompassing such phenomena as radio waves and visible light in addition to damaging rays, high-energy radiation has the potential to cause significant biological harm. In particular, ionizing...
Xylene is a clear, colorless liquid, very similar in its chemical composition to the more common compound, benzene. It's an excellent solvent and cleaning agent with applications in the plastic and computer industries, and is also used in...
Radiation poisoning can come from numerous sources--many of which are linked to terrorism, which is a growing concern in almost every part of the world today. From accidents like Chernobyl to potential "dirty bomb" scenarios, physicians have to be...
Nuclear accidents , such as Chernobyl, Three Mile Island and Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant, which was damaged by a devastating earthquake and tidal wave, cause widespread alarm. As radiation travels long distances, many people express concern...
Radiation is naturally present in our environment. It's present in our drinking water and in some of our foods, although at very low levels, according to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Most of us are also exposed to radiation at the...
Artificial sweeteners like saccharin and aspartame have received a lot of negative press over the years, including numerous clinical test results suggesting links to cancer and other health problems. The truth is no solid evidence has yet been...
Cancer of the osteoid bone tissue is called osteosarcoma and while it is extremely rare, it is more commonly found in women and children. There are several potential reasons that may contribute to the development of osteosarcoma including both...
The stomach is a very inhospitable organ whose acidic environment kills many bacteria that pass through. Of those that survive, most move on to produce infections in the lower gastrointestinal tract, leading to cramping, gas and diarrhea. Although...
Niacin, taken to lower triglycerides and low density lipoprotein cholesterol---the "bad" cholesterol---has as its most common side effect a reddening of the face and neck often accompanied by feelings of warmth, tingling, burning and itching....
Beta-carotene is an orange-red pigment found in foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and spinach. Its antioxidant properties make it an attractive supplement, as the free-radical-scavenging activity of these compounds make it useful in...
Organophosphates are formed from a reaction between phosphoric acid and various alcohols. These chemical compounds are used for killing insects, to prevent damage to crops or livestock and to control disease spreading insects. Organophosphates can...
Radiation is a term usually associated with x-rays, nuclear medicine and nuclear energy. There are two types of radiation, non-ionizing and ionizing radiation, and of the two, ionizing is the type that can produce health consequences over time....
When worker bees travel from bloom to bloom collecting honey, they also collect pollen. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, many people take pollen for a variety of health effects, such as increased stamina and energy. Some believe taking...
After a nuclear emergency, or when a nuclear crisis is imminent, it is common to hear of potassium iodide stockpiling. While it may be prudent to have potassium iodide on hand for such instances, wise use of the medication is essential to avoid...
Vitamin D is essential to bone health. In fact, vitamin D's role in bone development and maintenance is so important that in 2010 the U.S. and Canadian governments asked the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies to update the recommended...
Hydrogen sulfide is a toxic substance produced mainly during industrial processes. Breathing in hydrogen sulfide gas can cause shortness of breath or even death. Small amounts of hydrogen sulfide are also produced by bacteria in your gut after...
Despite having similar-sounding names, povidone iodine and potassium iodide differ in terms of use. Both substances contain iodine, but povidone iodine is an antiseptic solution used in disinfecting wounds and potassium iodide is a medication used...
Arsenic is a naturally-occurring substance that is present in small amounts in rocks, soil and ground water. It has industrial uses in some metal working and mining endeavors. Arsenic is also an ingredient in rat poison and pesticides. Although...
Grape seed oil extract contains high quantities of vitamin E, flavonoid antioxidants, the essential fatty acid linoleic acid and antioxidant compounds known as oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, or OPCs. Grape seed oil also contains oleic acid...
Stimulants are a classification of drugs "that elevate mood, increase feelings of well-being, and increase energy and alertness," according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA). The Connecticut Clearinghouse adds that stimulants also...
Neem is a tree from India whose leaves, stems, oil and bark are purported to have medicinal benefits. Neem is used in a multitude of herbal remedies for humans and pets. Additionally, neem oil has been shown to have some effective qualities as a...
Dandruff is characterized by itching and flaking of the scalp. BabyCenter.com explains that dandruff is uncommon in children, but if it is suspected, a trip to the doctor is critical to rule out other possible causes. Oozing, bleeding or scales...
Your skin is not only the largest organ of your body, it is also among the most hard working, defending against pathogens and detoxifying waste. Your facial skin is no exception, so it is not surprising that facial skin---which thins as it...
Most of us have felt a sunburn after too many hours in the sun. Learn about sunburn from a doctor in this video on skin care.
Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness is the world's second leading infectious cause of blindness. Get expert tips and advice on preventing, diagnosing, and treating onchocerciasis (river blindness) in this video.