Avoid These Health Scams And Hoaxes

Don't be scammed by these email rumors making the rounds.

• "deodorant casues cancer." According to the American Cancer Society, there is no credible research to back those claims. Sets of emails have been forwarded containing messages that antiperspirants, underarm shaving and under wire bras cause breast cancer.
  
  
• "tampons are toxic". some emails say that tampons contain asbestos to promote bleeding (so you'll buy more). Tampons don't contain asbestos, although they can lead to toxic shock syndrome if left in for too long, but this is rare; according to a study, there were fewer than 10 menstrual-related cases nationwide during the most recent year on record.
  
  
• "carmex is addictive." - some urban legends emails say that lip balm contains drying ingredients - even ground glass that makes lips drier and turn people into Carmex junkies. FALSE!
  
  
• "nutraSweet is nutra-sick." - alarming information asserts that Nutrasweet has caused an epidemic of lupus, multiple sclerosis and cancer. But according to the Food and Drug Administration, current research shows that Nutrasweet is safe except for people with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria, who can't metabolize it.
  
  
• "rapists sterilize women." Some scary emails are claiming that rapists are using a drug called Progesterex to sterilize vicitims - so perpetrators can't be identified by paternity. The truth is: - there is no such drug! This hoax love to prey on female-specific fears, which actually distract you from other important health issues.