Category: Tox Hot Topics

“Cat’s Claw” Products Containing Unlabeled Kratom Alkaloids

Posted on by cassandragabbert

The U.S. poison centers warns of products marketed as “cat’s claw” containing unlabeled kratom alkaloids.

The term cat’s claw has been traditionally used to describe a plant native to the Amazon with curved, claw-shaped thorns. It has been used as a traditional medicine in South America. However, it has not been evaluated for safety or efficacy.

Recently cat’s claw products sold in gas stations, convenience stores, vape shops, and online have been found to contain unlabeled kratom alkaloids and synthetic kratom derivatives including hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Health effects related to these products include central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, and rhabdomyolysis. People can become dependent on these products if taken chronically and can experience opioid-like withdrawal symptoms when stopping use.

Herbal supplements are not inspected or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, so are not guaranteed to be safe or to contain the ingredients claimed on the package. Consumers should be vigilant about exposure to mislabeled cat’s claw to avoid misuse, dependence, and withdrawal. Always tell your doctor what supplements you are taking.

For more information, visit:

Counterfeit NIOSH-Approved Respirators

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Counterfeit NIOSH-Approved Respirators

Why is this important?

Millions of workers rely on respirators to protect themselves from hazardous airborne exposures. However, counterfeit and misrepresented respirators are increasingly being sold online and in the marketplace.

Some products may falsely claim to be NIOSH Approved® or may be designed to look like genuine NIOSH-approved respirators. Because these products have not been evaluated by NIOSH, they may not provide the level of protection they claim, potentially putting workers at risk.

How can you tell if a respirator is NIOSH Approved?

  • Look for the NIOSH testing and certification (TC) approval number, such as TC 84A-XXXX.
  • Check the respirator and packaging for the required NIOSH markings and labeling.
  • Verify the approval number, manufacturer, and model using the NIOSH Certified Equipment List (CEL).
  • Be cautious of products with unusual or incorrect labeling, misspellings, or claims that seem too good to be true.
  • Purchase respirators from reputable suppliers whenever possible.

Remember: A respirator that looks like a NIOSH Approved® respirator is not necessarily NIOSH Approved. Take a moment to verify the product before relying on it for respiratory protection.

For More Information

NIOSH: Counterfeit/Misrepresented Respirators

NIOSH: Identifying NIOSH Approved® Respirators

NIOSH Certified Equipment List

DIY Air Cleaner

Posted on by cassandragabbert

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a new webpage outlining how to make Do It Yourself (DIY) air cleaners. DIY air cleaners can be used when commercial ones are not available or not affordable, especially during emergencies like wildfire smoke events. DIY air cleaners can improve indoor air quality by filtering fine particles that can affect heart and lung health. The DIY air cleaners can be created with common household materials like box fans and HVAC filters and are a good option when commercial air cleaners are not available.

For more information and step by step instructions with pictures, visit DIY Air Cleaners | US EPA.

Below is a video with instructions on how to build a DIY air cleaner.

DEA to Temporarily Schedule 7-OH

Posted on by cassandragabbert

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently filed its intent to temporarily place 7-hydroxymitagynine (7-OH) into Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act. 7-OH has no accepted medical use and high potential for abuse. 7-OH products are easily available and can be found online and in gas stations, vape shops, and convenience stores.

Health effects associated with the use of 7-OH products include anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal distress, insomnia, and seizures. 7-Oh can be addictive and users may experience withdrawals symptoms such as restlessness, body aches, fatigue, irritability, and cold sweats.

The temporary scheduling will go into effect likely in early August 2026.

For more information, visit:

DEA to Temporarily Schedule 7-OH and Related Substances to Protect Public Safety

Products Containing 7-OH Can Cause Serious Harm | FDA

Wildfire Smoke

Posted on by cassandragabbert

Summertime is peak danger for wildfire season due to dry conditions and high temperatures. Smoke from wildfire is made up of a mixture of gases and particles from the burning trees and plants and air pollutants from burning human-made materials and structures. Inhaling fine particulate matter from the smoke is the biggest threat to health. Children, older adults, pregnant women, individuals with heart or lung disease, and people that work outside are at a higher risk of experiencing health effects. Short-term exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to headaches, eye irritation, respiratory issues, and cardiovascular effects.

A few ways to reduce smoke exposure during a wildfire smoke event:

  • Stay indoors or limit time outside and avoid vigorous activities.
  • Wear a NOISH approved respirator such as an N95 while outside.
  • Keep indoor air clean with indoor air filtration.

For more information, visit:

Fireworks and Your Health

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Fireworks are a staple in many American’s holiday celebrations including the Fourth of July. Fireworks can be fun, but they can also be potentially dangerous. According to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 15 firework-related deaths and about 13,000 additional firework related injuries last year. Potential risks depend on whether you are a spectator or non-professional user.

Spectators

Spectators may be exposed to smoke, which contains very small particulate matter and other contaminants. Smoke can disperse into air, and even when you cannot see the smoke levels of particulates can be much higher than background concentrations. Near a fireworks display particulates in the air can exceed health-based air quality standards provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Breathing air with fireworks smoke particulates in it can cause coughing and other breathing problems, raised blood pressure, and increased heart rate. Particulate matter levels typically return to normal by the middle of the following day, but it can take longer depending on the number of fireworks used and the weather.

Spectators more likely to experience health effects from particulate matter near large fireworks displays may include:

  • Children, older adults, and pregnant women
  • Individuals with underlying conditions including:
    • lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    • heart disease
    • high blood pressure
  • People who work outdoors

Spectators attending firework shows can reduce their exposure to particulate matter by wearing an N95 or equivalent face mask.

Non-Professional Users

Non-professional firework displays, those done at a cookout or a block party, put the user and those around them at risk. Potential adverse health impacts include:

  • Burns
  • Injury
  • Temporary or permanent hearing loss
  • Temporary or permanent eye damage
  • Smoke inhalation

Non-professional fireworks user safety should include wearing eye and ear protection and a face mask. It is important to note weather conditions including dry conditions and wind as there is always the possibility of starting a fire. People watching the fireworks should choose a viewing location that is a safe distance away. Read the directions for the fireworks used and follow them carefully. State and local laws should always be followed.

Additional Information and Safety Tips

PFAS in the News

Posted on by cassandragabbert

On June 24, 2026, the Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WV DEP) announced a multi-state settlement with The Chemours Company. Four Chemours facilities located in West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey that use or produce per-and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances are included in the settlement. Chemours is alleged to have illegally discharged PFAS into the Ohio River, Cape Fear River, and Delaware River for over a decade.

Chemours will pay more than an estimated $450 million in penalties and relief programs. These relief programs aim to mitigate PFAS discharge and include controlling surface water and air emission pollution in West Virginia, supplying drinking water to communities located near the facilities in West Virginia and New Jersey, and implementing controls to reduce releases of PFAS and other toxic chemicals in North Carolina.

This is the first comprehensive federal settlement with a major PFAS manufacturer.

For more information, visit:

“Timeless Minis” Lead Paint Recall

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The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to immediately stop using Darice “Timeless Minis” toys due to lead paint. Specifically, the miniature red wagons, chairs, and watering cans (pictured below) exceed the lead paint limit and pose a lead poisoning risk. Children exposed to lead can experience negative health effects such as damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech problems. These health effects can cause lower IQ, decreased ability to pay attention, and underperformance in school. Consumers should take the miniature toys away from children and dispose of them.

For more information on the toy recall and lead poisoning, visit:

Timeless Minis Red Watering Can
Timeless Minis Red Wagon
Timeless Minis Red Chair

FDA Warns Consumers of Skin Products Containing Mercury and/or Hydroquinone

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The U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) warns consumers about the use of over-the-counter (OTC) skin lightening products. These products can contain high levels of mercury and/or hydroquinone that can cause serious health effects including kidney damage, neurological damage, and skin problems. Consumers should talk to their health care provider about treatment options for aged or dark spots as there are no FDA approved OTC skin lightening products.

Exposure from Virginia

In 2010, the Virginia Department of Health and California Department of Public Health investigated relatives in Virginia and California that used skin-lightening cream produced in Mexico containing mercury. Symptoms of exposure reported included numbness, tingling, dizziness, forgetfulness, headaches, and depression. A link to epidemiologic and environmental investigations can be found here.

For more information and a list of skin lightening products tested by FDA laboratories and found to contain mercury and/or hydroquinone, visit FDA Warns Consumers of Skin Products Containing Mercury and/or Hydroquinone | FDA.

School Indoor Air Quality

Posted on by cassandragabbert

Spring is an important time of year to think about indoor air quality at schools. Schools can face challenges like leaks, humidity, and maintaining comfortable temperatures as the weather warms up. Pollen and mold might trigger asthma health effects in students and staff.

Tips to reduce indoor air quality issues include:

  • Addressing leaks immediately before mold growth starts
  • Completing regular maintenance on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
  • Using high efficiency filtration in HVAC and portable air cleaners

For more information on indoor air quality in schools, visit Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools | US EPA.