Want to quit smoking? Many opt to light up electronic cigarettes, known as e-cigarettes, which release a vaporized dose of liquid nicotine without smoke or tobacco. But the battery-operated products have ignited a hot debate in the US over whether or not they are safe and should be pulled from the shelves. E-cigarettes have been hit hard in recent months due to negative reports regarding their safety, but a December 16th press announcement buck ... Jump to full article >>

More than two years after the start of a natural gas drilling boom, Pennsylvania is making public a complete list of the chemicals used to extract the gas from deep underground amid rising public fears of potential water contamination and increased scrutiny of the fast-growing industry. Compounds associated with neurological problems, cancer and other serious health effects are among the chemicals being used to drill the wells, although state a ... Jump to full article >>

They claim to be an “alternative to smoking,” but how safe are the new electronic cigarettes? The battery-operated cigarettes are not FDA approved. The government agency has even stated that some of the chemicals found in the products may be harmful to the user. This is partly why the Grand Traverse County Health Department is warning the public not to be fooled. The department is speaking out after a billboard went up on M-72 in Tra ... Jump to full article >>