Health / Medical
Rumors, hoaxes, urban legends and old wives' tales related to health and medicine.
Antiperspirants Cause Breast Cancer
This false rumor has been thoroughly trounced by medical professionals.
This false rumor has been thoroughly trounced by medical professionals.
Aqua Dots Recall
TRUE: Forwarded emails and Internet postings warn that a popular children's toy called Aqua Dots ('Bindeez' in Australia) are made with a substance that breaks down into the 'date rape' drug GHB.
TRUE: Forwarded emails and Internet postings warn that a popular children's toy called Aqua Dots ('Bindeez' in Australia) are made with a substance that breaks down into the 'date rape' drug GHB.
Asbestos in Tampons
Toxic tampons? Two versions of this email alert are circulating, one more fraudulent than the other.
Toxic tampons? Two versions of this email alert are circulating, one more fraudulent than the other.
Aspartame Warning
"Rabidly inaccurate" email flyer dating from 1995, alleging that NutraSweet causes just about every malady known to humankind.
"Rabidly inaccurate" email flyer dating from 1995, alleging that NutraSweet causes just about every malady known to humankind.
Bananas Spread Flesh-Eating Disease
Necrotizing fasciitis, a rare and deadly disease, allegedly infects an entire crop of Costa Rican fruit.
Necrotizing fasciitis, a rare and deadly disease, allegedly infects an entire crop of Costa Rican fruit.
Beetle Boy
The unbelievable-but-apparently-true saga of 13-year-old Chandan Goswami of India, the boy who urinated live, winged beetles
The unbelievable-but-apparently-true saga of 13-year-old Chandan Goswami of India, the boy who urinated live, winged beetles
Bird Flu, Tamiflu and the Donald Rumsfeld Connection
Forwarded email asserts a conspiratorial connection between the worldwide alarm over a possible avian flu pandemic and Donald Rumsfeld's financial interest in the company that patented the antiviral drug Tamiflu.
Forwarded email asserts a conspiratorial connection between the worldwide alarm over a possible avian flu pandemic and Donald Rumsfeld's financial interest in the company that patented the antiviral drug Tamiflu.
The 'Blue Star' LSD Tattoo
Email alert claims that colorful cartoon stickers laced with LSD pose a threat to children everywhere.
Email alert claims that colorful cartoon stickers laced with LSD pose a threat to children everywhere.
Bottled Water: Don't Drink Bottled Water Kept in Car
Forwarded email warns women not to drink bottled water that has been left in a car because the heat supposedly releases cancer-causing toxins which "leak" from the plastic into the water.
Forwarded email warns women not to drink bottled water that has been left in a car because the heat supposedly releases cancer-causing toxins which "leak" from the plastic into the water.
Brain Maggots / Sushi Worms
Disturbing images of what appears to be a worm infestation of a live human brain are circulating attached to two completely different stories, both of which are terrifying, but false.
Disturbing images of what appears to be a worm infestation of a live human brain are circulating attached to two completely different stories, both of which are terrifying, but false.
Breast Infestation (Photo & Video)
Emailed image and video purport to document the medical case of anthropologist Susan McKinley, who failed to seek treatment for a rash and wound up with an infestation of larvae in her breast.
Emailed image and video purport to document the medical case of anthropologist Susan McKinley, who failed to seek treatment for a rash and wound up with an infestation of larvae in her breast.
Breast Ogling Makes Men Live Longer
Tabloid journalism and email rumormongering intersect once again.
Tabloid journalism and email rumormongering intersect once again.
Brown Recluse Spider Bite (Photos)
Emailed photos purport to show the progressive deterioration of a wound caused by the bite of a brown recluse spider.
Emailed photos purport to show the progressive deterioration of a wound caused by the bite of a brown recluse spider.
Canola Oil Is Hazardous to Your Health!
Here we go again! Net rumormongers claim that canola, usually touted as one of the healthier food oils, is actually very toxic to human beings.
Here we go again! Net rumormongers claim that canola, usually touted as one of the healthier food oils, is actually very toxic to human beings.
Cell Phones Cause Gas Station Explosions
Still unsubstantiated, but 'tis better to be safe than sorry.
Still unsubstantiated, but 'tis better to be safe than sorry.
Citizens Against Breast-Feeding
Hoax, or a legitimate uprising of prudes? The truth exposed!
Hoax, or a legitimate uprising of prudes? The truth exposed!
Cockroach Eggs on Envelopes
Postal Service worker's tongue gives birth to live cockroach!
Postal Service worker's tongue gives birth to live cockroach!
Cockroach Egg Tacos at Taco Bell
A fast-food horror story, as told in six different locations around the U.S.
A fast-food horror story, as told in six different locations around the U.S.
Copper Pennies and Bee Stings
Forwarded email claims that taping a copper penny over a bee sting (or hornet sting) will provide overnight relief from redness and swelling
Forwarded email claims that taping a copper penny over a bee sting (or hornet sting) will provide overnight relief from redness and swelling
'Cough CPR' for Heart Attacks
According to the American Heart Association, the "life-saving" self-CPR technique advocated in this email is not recommended in the absence of medical supervision.
According to the American Heart Association, the "life-saving" self-CPR technique advocated in this email is not recommended in the absence of medical supervision.
The Dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO)
"Dihydrogen monoxide [otherwise known as water] is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and kills uncounted thousands of people every year..."
"Dihydrogen monoxide [otherwise known as water] is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and kills uncounted thousands of people every year..."
'Death Calls' Emit Killer Cell Phone Frequencies
Forwarded emails warn mobile phone users not to accept calls from certain numbers which supposedly transmit high-frequency signals causing brain hemorrhage and death
Forwarded emails warn mobile phone users not to accept calls from certain numbers which supposedly transmit high-frequency signals causing brain hemorrhage and death
Doctors Find Live Worm in Patient's Eye
Revolting photos show the surgical removal of a live worm from the eye of an unfortunate patient who purportedly contracted the parasite from ordinary house dust.
Revolting photos show the surgical removal of a live worm from the eye of an unfortunate patient who purportedly contracted the parasite from ordinary house dust.
Dollar Store Toothpaste Warning
Email flier says imported brand-name toothpastes sold at dollar stores such as Dollar Tree and Greenbacks don't meet U.S. health standards and may contain dangerous amounts of fluoride.
Email flier says imported brand-name toothpastes sold at dollar stores such as Dollar Tree and Greenbacks don't meet U.S. health standards and may contain dangerous amounts of fluoride.
Drinking Cold Water with Meals Causes Cancer
Email flier claims drinking cold water after a meal slows down digestion and coats the intestines with 'sludge,' leading to cancer.
Email flier claims drinking cold water after a meal slows down digestion and coats the intestines with 'sludge,' leading to cancer.
Drug-Laced Suckers/Lollipops a Threat to Children
Email flier purporting to originate from the North Little Rock Police Department warns parents that drug-laced candy in the form of suckers and lollipops pose a hazard to children and teenagers.
Email flier purporting to originate from the North Little Rock Police Department warns parents that drug-laced candy in the form of suckers and lollipops pose a hazard to children and teenagers.
Dust-Off Warning: Teenager Dies After Inhaling Cleaning Spray
Circulating via email: A father's first-person account of finding his son dead after the teenager inhaled Dust-Off cleaning spray to get high.
Circulating via email: A father's first-person account of finding his son dead after the teenager inhaled Dust-Off cleaning spray to get high.
EPA to Use Poor Kids as Guinea Pigs in Pesticide Study
Email flier claims the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is launching "an outrageous new study in which participating low income families will have their children exposed to toxic pesticides."
Email flier claims the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is launching "an outrageous new study in which participating low income families will have their children exposed to toxic pesticides."
Febreze Warning
An email warning in circulation since January warns that the fabric deodorizer Febreze is toxic to pets.
An email warning in circulation since January warns that the fabric deodorizer Febreze is toxic to pets.
Fellatio May Decrease Risk of Breast Cancer in Women (Study)
Web page masquerading as a CNN/AP news story claims women can decrease their risk of breast cancer by "performing the act of fellatio on a regular basis."
Web page masquerading as a CNN/AP news story claims women can decrease their risk of breast cancer by "performing the act of fellatio on a regular basis."
Fish Contaminated with Deadly 'Zulican' Virus After Tsunami
Text messages and forwarded emails warn Asian consumers to avoid eating seafood because fish killed by the Indian Ocean tsunami are supposedly infected with a deadly virus called 'Zulican.'
Text messages and forwarded emails warn Asian consumers to avoid eating seafood because fish killed by the Indian Ocean tsunami are supposedly infected with a deadly virus called 'Zulican.'
Flesh-Eating Disease from Unwashed Underwear
Emailed images allegedly show examples of flesh-eating disease contracted by women who wore new bras and underwear without washing them first.
Emailed images allegedly show examples of flesh-eating disease contracted by women who wore new bras and underwear without washing them first.
Freezing Water in Plastic Bottles Releases Cancer-Causing Dioxin
Email flier purporting to relay information from a Johns Hopkins newsletter claims freezing water in plastic bottles can release toxic dioxin and cause cancer.
Email flier purporting to relay information from a Johns Hopkins newsletter claims freezing water in plastic bottles can release toxic dioxin and cause cancer.
Hair of the Dog: Folk Remedies for Hangover
Folk remedies for hangover: some hair of the dog for the aftermath of New Year's Eve...
Folk remedies for hangover: some hair of the dog for the aftermath of New Year's Eve...
Halloween Warning - Candy-Flavored Meth
Circulating via email, a 'Halloween Warning' urging parents to instruct their children to beware of a new form of crystal meth that looks and smells like strawberry Pop Rocks candy and comes in other flavors such as chocolate, peanut butter, and cola.
Circulating via email, a 'Halloween Warning' urging parents to instruct their children to beware of a new form of crystal meth that looks and smells like strawberry Pop Rocks candy and comes in other flavors such as chocolate, peanut butter, and cola.
Hand of Hope
TRUE: Emailed photo shows the hand of a 21-week-old fetus, Samuel Alexander Armas, grasping the finger of a surgeon performing a prenatal operation.
TRUE: Emailed photo shows the hand of a 21-week-old fetus, Samuel Alexander Armas, grasping the finger of a surgeon performing a prenatal operation.
Hand Sanitizer Hazardous to Children
Forwarded email warns of the danger of children licking or eating hand sanitizer, which contains a high percentage of alcohol and can cause accidental intoxication or alcohol poisoning
Forwarded email warns of the danger of children licking or eating hand sanitizer, which contains a high percentage of alcohol and can cause accidental intoxication or alcohol poisoning
Heroin Needle Kills Child in McDonald's Ball Pit
The "Kevin Archer" story, curiously similar to 1998's tall tale about snakes in a Burger King ball pit.
The "Kevin Archer" story, curiously similar to 1998's tall tale about snakes in a Burger King ball pit.
HIV Needles on Gas Pumps
More needle-stick incidents, this time centered in Jacksonville, Florida.
More needle-stick incidents, this time centered in Jacksonville, Florida.
HIV Needles in Movie Theater Seats
"Welcome to the world of AIDS." The latest round of needle-stick incidents.
"Welcome to the world of AIDS." The latest round of needle-stick incidents.
HIV Needles in Pay Phone Coin Slots
Are drug addicts everywhere trying to kill us all with their dirty syringes?
Are drug addicts everywhere trying to kill us all with their dirty syringes?
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Forwarded email legitimately warns female recipients to be on the watch for a form of breast cancer known as IBC, or inflammatory breast cancer.
Forwarded email legitimately warns female recipients to be on the watch for a form of breast cancer known as IBC, or inflammatory breast cancer.
Is a Dog's Mouth Cleaner Than a Human's?
We've heard this ever since we were children and finally got around to checking up on the facts.
We've heard this ever since we were children and finally got around to checking up on the facts.
The Klingerman Virus
Not your ordinary bogus virus alert. This one's about a real, live bug that is fatal to human beings!
Not your ordinary bogus virus alert. This one's about a real, live bug that is fatal to human beings!
Lead in Lipstick
Email flier claims name-brand lipsticks contain 'cancer-causing' lead and that consumers can test for its presence in products by scratching them with a 24K gold ring.
Email flier claims name-brand lipsticks contain 'cancer-causing' lead and that consumers can test for its presence in products by scratching them with a 24K gold ring.
Lemon Slices Pose Health Risk in Restaurants
New study finds that lemon slices/wedges served as garnishes in restaurants are often contaminated with health-threatening fecal bacteria.
New study finds that lemon slices/wedges served as garnishes in restaurants are often contaminated with health-threatening fecal bacteria.
Leptospirosis: Woman Catches Deadly Disease from Unwashed Coke Can
False email rumor claims a woman in North Texas (or Belgium, or Botswana, etc.) caught the deadly disease leptospirosis after drinking Coke straight from an unwashed can contaminated with dried rat urine.
False email rumor claims a woman in North Texas (or Belgium, or Botswana, etc.) caught the deadly disease leptospirosis after drinking Coke straight from an unwashed can contaminated with dried rat urine.
Listerine Mosquito Control
Forwarded email claims spraying an outside area with Listerine mouthwash repels and/or kills every mosquito in the vicinity
Forwarded email claims spraying an outside area with Listerine mouthwash repels and/or kills every mosquito in the vicinity
LSD & Strychnine on Pay Phone Buttons
More pay phone hysteria, courtesy of the Internet.
More pay phone hysteria, courtesy of the Internet.
Mastectomy Bill in Congress
Email flier urges women to sign an online petition in favor of the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act, which would require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy
Email flier urges women to sign an online petition in favor of the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act, which would require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy
Microwave Ovens, Plastic Wrap and Dioxin
Does microwaving foods in plastic containers or covered with plastic wrap expose consumers to deadly cancer-causing chemicals?
Does microwaving foods in plastic containers or covered with plastic wrap expose consumers to deadly cancer-causing chemicals?
Microwaved Water Explodes in Man's Face
Email warns of a little-known hazard of using microwave ovens.
Email warns of a little-known hazard of using microwave ovens.
A Needle Can Save the Life of a Stroke Victim
Email flier claims pricking a stroke victim's fingers and ear lobes with a pin or needle until they bleed will relieve symptoms of paralysis, restore consciousness, and allow the patient to be safely moved.
Email flier claims pricking a stroke victim's fingers and ear lobes with a pin or needle until they bleed will relieve symptoms of paralysis, restore consciousness, and allow the patient to be safely moved.
Ovarian Cancer and CA-125 Screening
Rumor makes misleading claims about "primary peritoneal cancer" and the value of the CA-125 tumor marker as a screen.
Rumor makes misleading claims about "primary peritoneal cancer" and the value of the CA-125 tumor marker as a screen.
Paget's Disease of the Nipple
Scary email rumor imparts mostly accurate information about a very rare but real form of breast cancer.
Scary email rumor imparts mostly accurate information about a very rare but real form of breast cancer.
Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) Safety Warnings
Forwarded emails warning that non-prescription medicines containing phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride may have adverse health effects were accurate at the time they were issued but are now mostly outdated.
Forwarded emails warning that non-prescription medicines containing phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride may have adverse health effects were accurate at the time they were issued but are now mostly outdated.
Prescription Drug Pricing
Email flier purporting to originate from U.S. government budget analysts blames inflated prescription drug prices on price gouging by pharmacies.
Email flier purporting to originate from U.S. government budget analysts blames inflated prescription drug prices on price gouging by pharmacies.
Rat Droppings/Urine Cause Hawaiian Man's Death
A plausible scenario, but did this incident really happen?
A plausible scenario, but did this incident really happen?
Rat Urine on Soda Pop Cans Is Lethal
Three variations of a cautionary tale making the email rounds since 1998.
Three variations of a cautionary tale making the email rounds since 1998.
SARS Infects Restaurant Workers in Asian Communities
Variants of a widespread rumor claim the SARS epidemic threatens local communities across North America via infected workers at restaurants and groceries in Chinatowns and other Asian neighborhoods.
Variants of a widespread rumor claim the SARS epidemic threatens local communities across North America via infected workers at restaurants and groceries in Chinatowns and other Asian neighborhoods.
Scrotum Self-Repair
Perhaps the most inventive use of an industrial staple gun you're ever likely to see. Grisly but true!
Perhaps the most inventive use of an industrial staple gun you're ever likely to see. Grisly but true!
Shampoo Cancer Warning
This chain letter falsely claims that sodium laureth sulfate, an ingredient found in some brand-name shampoos, is carcinogenic.
This chain letter falsely claims that sodium laureth sulfate, an ingredient found in some brand-name shampoos, is carcinogenic.
Snakes Kill Child in Burger King Ball Pit
Email warns of baby rattlesnakes hiding in restaurant playgrounds.
Email warns of baby rattlesnakes hiding in restaurant playgrounds.
Sour Spray Candy Warning
Forwarded email recounts an incident in which a child experienced a laryngospasm (involuntary closure of the larynx, obstructing breathing) after drinking sour spray candy directly from the container.
Forwarded email recounts an incident in which a child experienced a laryngospasm (involuntary closure of the larynx, obstructing breathing) after drinking sour spray candy directly from the container.
Stroke Test: Is It a Stroke?
TRUE: Email offers a useful test for identifying stroke victims consisting of three simple questions.
TRUE: Email offers a useful test for identifying stroke victims consisting of three simple questions.
'Toilet Spiders' Kill 5 in Chicago Airport
The deadly "arachnius gluteus" rears its ugly head across the U.S.
The deadly "arachnius gluteus" rears its ugly head across the U.S.
Vicks VapoRub on Soles of Feet Relieves Coughing
Forwarded email claims that coughing in children can be stopped "100% of the time" by applying Vicks Vaporub to the bottoms of their feet and covering them with socks at bedtime.
Forwarded email claims that coughing in children can be stopped "100% of the time" by applying Vicks Vaporub to the bottoms of their feet and covering them with socks at bedtime.
Wal-Mart Flip Flops Cause Skin Reaction (Photos)
Emailed images show skin rash caused by Chinese-made rubber flip flops purchased at Wal-Mart.
Emailed images show skin rash caused by Chinese-made rubber flip flops purchased at Wal-Mart.
Waterproof Sunscreen Causes Blindness in Children
Recycled 1998 warning alleges that children have gone blind due to exposure to waterproof sunscreens.
Recycled 1998 warning alleges that children have gone blind due to exposure to waterproof sunscreens.
Zicam Cold Remedy Warning
Anonymous email alert blames zinc-based nasal cold remedy Zicam for cases of anosmia (loss of the sense of smell).
Anonymous email alert blames zinc-based nasal cold remedy Zicam for cases of anosmia (loss of the sense of smell).