Second-hand smoke reached 2.7 billion in 2023
An estimated 2.71 billion people worldwide, including 767 million children under age 15, were exposed to second-hand smoke in 2023, and that exposure contributed to about 1.66 million deaths, according to a Global Burden of Disease Study 2023 analysis published in The Lancet Public Health on September 7, 2026. According to the analysis, second-hand smoke […]
FDA withdraws Krazati Erbitux colorectal approval
The Food and Drug Administration has withdrawn the accelerated approval of Krazati (adagrasib) in combination with Erbitux (cetuximab) for adults with KRAS G12C-mutated locally advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer who have previously been treated with a fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-based chemotherapy regimen. The withdrawal took effect September 1, 2026, according to the FDA’s list of […]
Abbott TactiFlex Duo ablation catheter approved
The Food and Drug Administration approved Abbott’s TactiFlex Duo Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled, a device that combines pulsed-field ablation and radiofrequency energy in a single catheter to treat complex atrial fibrillation, according to a company announcement dated September 8, 2026. Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is an irregular heart rhythm that increases the risk of stroke […]
FDA approves Etcamah for ESR1 breast cancer
The Food and Drug Administration on September 4, 2026 granted accelerated approval to Etcamah (camizestrant) in combination with a CDK4/6 inhibitor for adults with hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer whose tumors develop an ESR1 mutation during aromatase-inhibitor and CDK4/6-inhibitor therapy, based on an FDA-authorized test. According to the FDA drug-approval notice, this […]
Kofinas garlic olive oil recalled by FDA
LMSI LLC, doing business as Kofinas Olive Oil, is voluntarily recalling its Garlic Mediterranean Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil because the product contains a garlic essential oil that is not approved for culinary use, according to the recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration. The recalled product was bottled in glass bottles in […]
HHS names four permanent senior FDA leaders
The Department of Health and Human Services on September 8, 2026, named four permanent senior leaders at the Food and Drug Administration, filling the top posts at the drug, biologics, and tobacco centers and creating a new deputy commissioner role focused on technology and artificial intelligence. Michael Davis, M.D., Ph.D., moves from acting director to […]
Grand Rapids Residents Can Prepare for Heat Events with New Resource Guide
As Grand Rapids navigates the summer months, a new resource guide aims to help residents understand and prepare for the public health implications of heat events. The guide, developed to address the confirmed event and its reader-relevant impacts, focuses on practical information for households and community organizations. The resource covers potential disruptions to daily life, […]
Extreme Heat Grips Nation, Highlighting Public Health and Travel Risks in Grand Rapids
Large swaths of the country are currently experiencing a significant heat wave, a phenomenon that scientists are increasingly linking to broader climate patterns. This extreme weather event brings into sharp focus the potential risks to public health, workplace safety, travel infrastructure, and household resilience. The implications of prolonged high temperatures extend beyond immediate discomfort. Public […]
Heat Event Preparedness: A Guide for Grand Rapids Households and Calendars
As Grand Rapids experiences periods of extreme heat, understanding the potential impacts on daily life and community resources becomes crucial. This guide outlines how residents can prepare for and navigate heat events, focusing on public information, transportation adjustments, utility considerations, and access to cooling centers. Public facilities and event organizers often adjust schedules or operations […]
Extreme Heat Across Nation Highlights Public Health and Travel Risks
A widespread heat wave is currently affecting significant portions of the country, bringing sweltering conditions that underscore public health and safety concerns. This extreme weather event, characterized by prolonged periods of high temperatures, is prompting a renewed focus on the risks associated with such conditions. Scientists are increasingly connecting the frequency and intensity of these […]