video games will kill you
Researchers following up on
carbon monoxide-poisoning cases in the wake of Hurricane Ike have found a familiar culprit: video games. According to a study by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, of 37 CO-poisoning cases investigated, 9 involved kids who were using generators to make sure that they maintained their high scores during the Ike-borne power outage. "Discovering that generators are so frequently used to power entertainment devices for children suggests that school programs should be considered in states at risk for hurricane-related power outages," said UT's Dr. Caroline Fife. We have another idea: learn how to use your generator safely.
More »
food safety
In hearings today, the meat producers Hormel Foods Corp and Cargill Inc testified that the practice of treating meat with carbon monoxide to preserve its red color is safe and should be allowed. As a compromise, they suggested a label on all
CO-treated meat and fish that reminded consumers to refer to the date on the package to determine its freshness. According to Reuters, "officials at the Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Agriculture Department said
they stand by the safety of the carbon monoxide practice and would revisit the process if new data becomes available."
More »
travel
More comforting news from the airline industry: Five crew members were taken to the hospital after complaining of an illness caused by a mysterious smell on US Airways Flight 2022 from Washington to Boston. The smell turned out to be carbon monoxide-filled fumes from a generator that drives the jet's air conditioning.
More »
butchers
The newer the redder, brown is an elderly hue, which of these steaks looks fresher to you?
More »
Consumerist
