Health

Take caution! Using gas burners for cooking increases the risk of cancer

Published

9 months ago

Farwa

A worrying discovery about the carcinogenic chemical benzene’s prevalence in homes with gas stoves has been made by a Stanford University study team.

It has been discovered that using gas cooking equipment causes benzene, which has been connected to an increased risk of leukemia and other blood cell malignancies, to enter millions of households.

The study shows that benzene levels inside can rise above those seen in secondhand tobacco smoke even when a single gas stovetop burner is used on high or a gas oven is set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

The study, which was published on June 15 in Environmental Science & Technology, also emphasizes how benzene is a persistent substance in homes, since the molecule may remain in the air for hours after the

cessation of gas stove usage.

These results highlight the need for greater awareness and the adoption of exposure mitigation strategies by shedding light on the possible health risks linked to gas stove emissions.

At the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, Rob Jackson, the study’s main author and the Michelle and Kevin Douglas Provostial Professor of Earth System Science, stated, “Benzene forms in flames and other high-temperature environments, such as flares in oil fields and refineries.”

We now understand that benzene may also develop in household gas stove flames. Pollutant concentrations can be lowered with good ventilation; however, exhaust fans frequently fail to completely remove benzene exposure.

The use of gas stoves has been linked to higher indoor concentrations of the carcinogenic chemical benzene, which have been shown to reach levels observed in secondhand smoke.

Health

The government is planning to outsource PIMs Hospital’s diagnostic lab.

Published

7 months ago

Farwa

Sources with knowledge of the developments revealed that plans are in place to start the process of operating PIMs under a Public-Private Partnership model, with a “phase-wise” hospital outsourcing strategy.

Sources stated that while the Department of Radiology and Laboratory Services at PIMS is expected to be outsourced in the first phase, more PIMS departments are planned for privatization in the second phase.

Meanwhile, third-phase sources said that a decision about how to use PIMS’s enormous land assets—worth trillions of dollars—is expected.

Concurrently, there are apparently intentions to construct residential towers inside the PIMs Hospital settlement.

On the other side, PIMs Hospital’s employees’ union is preparing for protests against the upcoming privatization campaign following Eid.

Health

CM Punjab Maryam urges group efforts to eradicate tuberculosis

Published

8 months ago

Farwa

For a healthy Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz underlined the need of the continuous fight against tuberculosis (TB).

She delivered a strong message on World Tuberculosis Day, emphasizing the need for unshakable commitment to the total eradication of TB.

According to CM Nawaz, tuberculosis (TB) is a treatable illness, and its eradication requires both prompt diagnosis and efficient treatment.

She emphasized the need of raising public knowledge of tuberculosis and the necessity for extensive education and understanding about the disease in order to save the lives of sufferers.

She promised to make sure people from all socioeconomic backgrounds could receive quality TB treatment.

Maryam Nawaz called for a united front to save the lives of mothers, sisters, and daughters, stressing the significance of group efforts in the fight against this deadly disease.

Her words emphasized the need for everyone to take responsibility in order to properly confront the tuberculosis issue.

The Chief Minister’s dedication to promoting public health, promoting treatment accessibility, and raising public awareness is essential in Punjab’s continuous battle against tuberculosis.

Health

The FIA has shut down a factory producing counterfeit pharmaceuticals.

Published

8 months ago

Farwa

According to the information provided, there is now an operation taking place to suppress the sale of illegal and counterfeit pharmaceuticals. This operation is being carried out under the orders of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

The Anti-Corruption Circle in Islamabad, headed by a deputy director from the FIA, provided assistance to a facility in Ghauri Town that was involved in the production of illicit and counterfeit medications.

The raid was attended by Drug Controller Naveed Anwar, Assistant Director FIA Noman Khalil, and other officials.

According to the FIA, a substantial quantity of illicit and fake drugs were discovered during the investigation. The FIA also mentioned that the facility had confiscated heavy machinery.

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) initiated the registration of the case, and has formed teams to catch the individuals who are now evading capture.

On January 29, the FIA carried out a raid and sealed a plant in Lahore that was suspected of producing counterfeit veterinary pharmaceuticals.

The FIA officers have reported the discovery of a substantial amount of banned substances in the office of the company suspected of producing fake medicines. The office is situated in the Iqbal Town district of Lahore.

Throughout the operation, the FIA seized vital records, including fraudulent documents.