Pulse Oximeters more likely to show inaccurate readings for Black Patients

Pulse oximeters have been a crucial tool in the healthcare system yet have recently been reported to show false readings for Black patients compared to non black ones. This discrepancy poses a potentially life threatening issue within the medical system.

False Readings on Black Skin

In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, it was found that Black patients were more likely to have an inaccurate pulse oximeter reading compared to White patients, with the device often showing normal oxygen levels even when patients had low blood oxygen. This can be especially dangerous in cases where timely medical intervention is crucial, such as with COVID-19, where oxygen deprivation can quickly become life-threatening.

The underlying reasons for this discrepancy are skin tone, tissue thickness, and the amount of melanin in the skin, which have the ability to impact the amount of light absorbed by the pulse oximeter sensor. While these devices are generally reliable, their limitations in Black populations have raised concerns about racial disparities in healthcare. These inaccuracies can contribute to systemic healthcare inequities, particularly when treatment is delayed or patients are sent home despite low oxygen levels.

Inclusivity is the solution

To address this issue, experts suggest that more research is needed to develop pulse oximeters that are equally accurate across all skin tones. Some have called for more diverse clinical testing, which includes a wider range of skin colors to ensure the technology works well for everyone. Until then, healthcare providers are urged to take these limitations into account and use additional methods of assessing oxygen levels, such as arterial blood gas tests, especially when pulse oximeter readings seem inconsistent or don't align with a patient's clinical condition

Cancer in your kitchen? Black colored products could be to blame

Recent studies have revealed a disturbing presence of decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE) at hazardous levels, in a wide range of consumer products.

DecaBDE is a cancer causing flame retardant which was found in black colored kitchen cookware according to a study done in 2024.

Ban on DecaBDE

This substance was banned by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 2021 yet was still found to be present in 70% of the products that were tested.

DecaBDE is a type of brominated flame retardant commonly used in products like electronics, furniture, textiles, and even kitchenware to prevent fires. However, it has come under scrutiny due to its classification as a persistent organic pollutant and its potential carcinogenic effects.

DecaBDE has been linked to hormone disruption, developmental issues, and an increased risk of cancer, making its widespread use in household items a growing public health concern.

The contamination of everyday products like cooking utensils, bakeware, and food storage containers with decaBDE is particularly alarming. As these items are exposed to heat and wear over time, they can release harmful chemicals into the air and food, posing significant health risks. Despite efforts to regulate toxic flame retardants, decaBDE remains in use due to its effectiveness in reducing flammability. However, the long-term consequences of its presence in products that come into direct contact with food and the human body are becoming increasingly clear, prompting calls for more stringent regulations and safer alternatives.

What to use instead

Fortunately, there are safer, non-toxic alternatives to decaBDE that manufacturers can use to reduce fire risks without compromising consumer health. Silicone, for example, is a non-toxic, heat-resistant material that is increasingly being used in kitchenware and baking products. Similarly, manufacturers can turn to phosphate-based flame retardants, which are less harmful and more easily broken down in the environment. As awareness grows about the dangers of decaBDE, the shift toward safer materials in consumer products becomes necessary for public health.

Bay Area cities are sinking! Here’s Why

Due to the rise in occurrences of atmospheric rivers, rising sea levels, and under kept infrastructures, the city of SanFrancisco is a “sinking city”.

The city’s unique geographical position, perched on a series of hills surrounded by water, makes it particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Rising sea levels threaten to inundate low-lying neighborhoods, while ongoing geological processes contribute to land subsidence. The combination of these factors poses significant risks to the city’s infrastructure and residents, raising urgent questions about its future.

Urban development and the weight of buildings also play a crucial role in San Francisco’s sinking dilemma. The extraction of groundwater has caused the land to compress over time, leading to subsidence in certain areas. Furthermore, the increasing density of construction in the city has exacerbated this issue, as heavy structures settle into the soft soil and bedrock beneath. This situation highlights the challenges of urban planning in a city where natural forces are at odds with human activity, necessitating a re-evaluation of how development can occur sustainably.

As San Francisco grapples with these challenges, proactive measures are essential to mitigate the impacts of sinking and rising seas. The future of San Francisco depends not only on addressing its current vulnerabilities but also on implementing innovative solutions that balance growth with sustainability.