Air Pollution's Hidden Dangers, and More Health News

This week, a series of alarming health stories have made headlines, from the devastating effects of air pollution to the debunking of viral gut health trends. Meanwhile, a cancer survivor is speaking out about the importance of awareness for a common virus that affects men. First, a BBC presenter's experiment has revealed the shocking impact of air pollution on the body. James Gallagher, a presenter for BBC Radio 4, volunteered to stand next to a busy road in central London for 10 minutes, breathing in dirty air as part of an experiment to understand how air pollution affects our bodies. The results were startling: his blood cells were tainted with black markings, a visible sign of the damage caused by air pollution. According to the UK's National Health Service (NHS), poor air quality is thought to kill 30,000 people a year, as well as harming babies in the womb and exacerbating conditions from asthma to heart disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also warned that air pollution is a major public health risk, with 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathing polluted air. In other health news, a transplant surgeon who was suspended for sexually harassing four female colleagues has been allowed to return to practice. James Gilbert was suspended for 12 months in 2024, but the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) restored his right to practice last year. The General Medical Council (GMC) had appealed against the decision, arguing that Gilbert should have been removed from the medical register. However, the Court of Appeal has dismissed the challenge. Meanwhile, parents are being warned to check their baby formula products after a toxin called cereulide was found in some batches. Food manufacturer Danone has recalled 14 batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate first infant and follow-on milks, which may be contaminated with the toxin. Several manufacturers, including Nestle and Danone, have issued recalls of infant formula that could be contaminated in more than 60 countries since December. In the world of gut health, viral trends are being debunked by experts. From drinking chia seed water to adding sea moss gel to smoothies and sipping bone broth, these products are credited with everything from better moods to more energy. However, scientists say the reality is more complicated, and evidence for many of these fixes is thin. While the gut microbiome does play a crucial role in our wellbeing, obsessing over gut "healing" may be unnecessary for most healthy people. Finally, a cancer survivor is speaking out about the importance of awareness for a common virus that affects men. Anthony Perriam, a dad-of-two from Cardiff, was diagnosed with a human papillomavirus (HPV) related cancer in his head and neck after feeling a lump under his jaw. HPV is a common group of viruses affecting the skin, which do not cause problems in most people but certain types can cause cancer or genital warts. Perriam is urging men to be aware of the risks and to get checked if they notice any unusual symptoms. As these stories highlight, health is a complex and multifaceted issue, and staying informed is crucial. From the dangers of air pollution to the importance of awareness about common viruses, it's essential to stay up-to-date on the latest health news and trends.