Misleading
Risk of secondary cancer from chemotherapy is low; chemo ingredients aren’t just 100% mustard gas
Claim:
Chemotherapy is 100% mustard gas, chemotherapy causes cancer
Chelsea Brett
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Source: TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Alexander Hickman (aka Yahki Rapha Elohim), 2024-05-28 -
Unsupported
Current evidence doesn’t suggest coffee contains toxic levels of mold, nor that it causes cancer
Claim:
Toxin found in coffee attacks the bladder and kidneys, causes cancer
Source: TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Maria Menounos, Dave Asprey, 2024-05-15 -
Misleading
Evidence shows Tdap booster in pregnant women reduces the risk of whooping cough in infants
Claim:
The Tdap shot, which is supposed to protect newborns from whooping cough, doesn't actually prevent it. It just puts newborns more at risk.
Source: Facebook, Social media users, 2024-04-23 -
Unsupported
Current evidence shows COVID-19 vaccination doesn’t increase risk of sudden cardiac death
Claim:
“COVID-19 vaccinations affect your risk” of sudden cardiac death
Source: Instagram, Facebook, Social media users, 2024-04-13 -
Unsupported
It’s safe to use aluminum foil when cooking food; no evidence to date showing it causes Alzheimer’s or cancer
Claim:
Cooking with aluminum foil can cause Alzheimer’s, cancer
Source: Facebook, Social media user, 2024-03-22 -
Unsupported
Fluoride level in U.S. drinking water is safe; people of all ages, including infants, can consume fluoridated water
Claim:
Babies shouldn’t drink fluoridated water; the blood-brain barrier in infants is not fully formed until six months of age
Source: Instagram, Robert W. B. Love, 2024-03-05 -
Unsupported
Claim that artificial sweeteners like aspartame cause cancer lacks support, according to review from WHO agencies
Claim:
Artificial sweeteners “are proven to cause cancer”; “people in the 1930s ate cake, cookies and ice cream with SUGAR. And they were healthy”
Source: Instagram, Social media user, 2024-03-16 -
Unsupported
Are AirPods and other wireless communication devices harmful, as claimed on social media? A look at the evidence
Claim:
AirPods emit dangerous levels of radiation that harm the body
Source: Instagram, Paul Saladino, 2024-02-25 -
Unsupported
Health risks associated with pesticide chlormequat on oat- and wheat-based food products require further investigation
Claim:
Chemical found in Cheerios, Quaker Oats may cause infertility and delayed puberty
Source: Twitter, New York Post, Facebook, Shannon Thaler, Social media user, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., 2024-02-15 -
Incorrect
Vaccines don’t cause autism; difference in infant mortality rates between Japan and the U.S. unrelated to childhood vaccine coverage
Claim:
Vaccines contain unhealthy levels of aluminum; Japan’s elimination of vaccines has reduced infant mortality
Source: Instagram, Social media user, 2024-02-12
