[December 30, 2007]

Americans are constantly bombarded with alarming news about the dangers of the everyday products they encounter. In order to shine light on the health fear frenzy so widespread in the media, the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH) has published The Top Ten Unfounded Health Scares of 2007 , a roundup of the most frightening and prominent—but groundless—health scares in the news this year. Highlights include debunking major health scares such as cancer-causing red meat, "toxic" lipstick, and "poisonous" rubber duckies.

"There are too many instances of preliminary studies being reported as if they are the final word, but studies must be replicated before we can have confidence in their results," said Dr. Ruth Kava, Director of Nutrition for ACSH.

"ACSH hopes this list of health scares—and the science which shows they are bogus—will alert consumers to be wary of the health scares that will inevitably be launched in 2008," stated ACSH president Dr. Elizabeth Whelan. She continued, "Bogus health scares distract our attention from the real threats around us—such as smoking, unbalanced diets and not wearing seat belts—so beware."