Health Archives - Page 28 of 218 - Unlocking the Power of Your Money

Secret ingredients are hiding in food under vague terms such as ‘artificial flavor,’ ‘natural flavor,’ and ‘spices,’ report says

Rita R. Robison / March 24, 2024

While almost all ingredients used in food need to be disclosed, federal regulations allow manufacturers to hide some ingredients behind the vague terms such as “artificial flavor,” “natural flavor,” or “spices.” Problems arise when companies obscure ingredients behind these terms, according to a report released Thursday by the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Best Buy recalls more than 287,000 Insignia air fryers due to possible injuries from overheating

Rita R. Robison / March 20, 2024

Best Buy is recalling more than 287,000 Insignia air fryers and air fryer ovens due to reports of the units overheating. When overheating, the air fryers handles can melt or break posing fire and burn hazards. In addition, if the air fryer ovens overheat, the glass on the door can shatter, posing fire, burn, and laceration hazards.

EPA finalizes ban on the remaining uses of asbestos and the importation of the toxin

Rita R. Robison / March 19, 2024

On Monday, the EPA announced a final rule to ban use of the only known form of asbestos imported into the U.S. – an action to shield consumers from the toxic substance that kills nearly 40,000 Americans every year. It’s the first substance that the EPA has successfully banned using new authority Congress gave the agency in 2016.

More than 210,000 electric smokers are being recalled due to shock risk

Rita R. Robison / March 3, 2024

Char-Broil is recalling more than 210,000 digital electric smokers. The smokers can leak electrical current during use, posing an electric shock hazard. Char-Broil has received 79 reports of consumers who experienced a minor electric shock from touching the smokers while in use. This recall includes the following models:

New study finds little-know pesticide in four out of five people tested

Rita R. Robison / February 18, 2024

It’s important to know about and reduce your exposure to pesticides. Growing up on a farm, I saw the effects pesticide exposure can have on health. A little-known pesticide, chlormequat, was found in four out of five people tested, in a new study by the Environmental Working Group. Its research tested 96 people for chlormequat, finding it in 77 of them.

Price gouging from food industry keeps food prices up, watchdog group says

Rita R. Robison / February 14, 2024

The latest consumer-price index report from the U.S. Labor Department shows while inflation continued to go down in January, more progress was held back by stubbornly high food prices burdening everyday families. Price hikes on food have been a greed-motivated choice by the food industry for wealthy investors.

Best and worst Super Bowl ads 2024

Rita R. Robison / February 12, 2024

The Super Bowl ads this year followed a similar pattern of previous years: just a few good ones, many bad ones, a lot of silly ones, and my biggest complaint – violence being used to sell products and services. Years ago, I didn’t like Betty White being tacked onto the ground to sell Snickers bars and seniors being victimized in ads.

Do you have a will?

Rita R. Robison / February 10, 2024

I know, I know. As a consumer and personal finance journalist, I should have had my will prepared a long time ago. I’ve had a handwritten will for years that was witnessed by two friends. It’s not sufficient, but it was something. People need to have a will because if they don’t, their assets, if any, will be distributed according to state law.

Bissell recalls more than 156,000 vacuum cleaners due to fire risk

Rita R. Robison / February 7, 2024

Bissell is recalling 142,000 vacuum cleaners in the United States and 14,600 in Canada. The battery pack of the Multi Reach Hand and Floor vacuum cleaners can overheat and smoke, posing a fire hazard. Bissell has received 17 reports of the recalled vacuum cleaners smoking and emitting a burning odor.