The Editorial Research

The sources behind the stories.

Every article in The Editorial is grounded in peer-reviewed research. This library organizes the full citation record by edition and article so you can go as deep as you want.

Edition

Summer 2026 Edition.

8 Articles  ·  Summer 2026
McKinlay JB, McKinlay SM. The questionable contribution of medical measures to the decline of mortality in the United States in the twentieth century.
The Milbank Memorial Fund Quarterly: Health and Society. 1977;55(3):405–428.
Sender R, Fuchs S, Milo R. Revised estimates for the number of human and bacteria cells in the body.
PLOS Biology. 2016;14(8):e1002533.
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Villanueva CM, Cantor KP, Cordier S, et al. Disinfection byproducts and bladder cancer: a pooled analysis.
Epidemiology. 2004;15(3):357–367.
Costet N, Villanueva CM, Jaakkola JJK, et al. Water disinfection by-products and bladder cancer: is there a European specificity? A pooled and meta-analysis of European case-control studies.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2011;68(5):379–385.
Helte E, Söderlund F, Säve-Söderbergh M, Larsson SC, Åkesson A. Exposure to drinking water trihalomethanes and risk of cancer: a systematic review of the epidemiologic evidence and dose-response meta-analysis.
Environmental Health Perspectives. 2025;133(1):016001.
Backer LC, Ashley DL, Bonin MA, Cardinali FL, Kieszak SM, Wooten JV. Household exposures to drinking water disinfection by-products: whole blood trihalomethane levels.
Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environmental Epidemiology. 2000;10(4):321–326. Blood trihalomethane increases from showering or bathing were significantly greater than from drinking one liter of the same water.
Nuckols JR, Ashley DL, Lyu C, Gordon SM, Hinckley AF, Singer P. Influence of tap water quality and household water use activities on indoor air and internal dose levels of trihalomethanes.
Environmental Health Perspectives. 2005;113(7):863–870.
World Health Organization. Trihalomethanes in Drinking-water. WHO/SDE/WSH/03.04/64.
Geneva: World Health Organization; 2005. Documents significant dermal absorption of chloroform from water during showering, accelerated by skin hydration.
Ulfig A, Leichert LI. The effects of neutrophil-generated hypochlorous acid and other hypohalous acids on host and pathogens.
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. 2021;78(2):385–414. Confirms that neutrophils generate hypochlorous acid via the enzyme myeloperoxidase, from hydrogen peroxide and chloride, as part of the innate immune response.
Gold MH, Andriessen A, Bhatia AC, et al. Topical stabilized hypochlorous acid: the future gold standard for wound care and scar management in dermatologic and plastic surgery procedures.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2020;19(2):270–277. Reviews HOCl's broad antimicrobial action, antibiofilm activity, and low cytotoxicity in wound healing and skin antisepsis, noting that, unlike chlorhexidine, it raises no concerns of ocular or ototoxicity.
Block MS, Rowan BG. Hypochlorous acid: a review.
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2020;78(9):1461–1466. A review of HOCl as an inexpensive, nontoxic, practical disinfectant, summarizing evidence for its antimicrobial use across clinical and other settings.
Zhang H, Wu Y, Wan X, et al. Effect of hypochlorous acid on blepharitis through ultrasonic atomization: a randomized clinical trial.
Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023;12(3):1164. Randomized controlled trial finding topical 0.01% HOCl an effective, well-tolerated eyelid hygiene treatment for blepharitis, with no adverse events reported. Supports the article's claim about ophthalmic use on eyelids and lash lines.
Matta MK, Zusterzeel R, Pilli NR, et al. Effect of sunscreen application under maximal use conditions on plasma concentration of sunscreen active ingredients: a randomized clinical trial.
JAMA. 2019;321(21):2082–2091.
Matta MK, Florian J, Zusterzeel R, et al. Effect of sunscreen application on plasma concentration of sunscreen active ingredients: a randomized clinical trial.
JAMA. 2020;323(3):256–267. The 2020 trial tested six filters (avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, octinoxate); all six exceeded the FDA's 0.5 ng/mL plasma threshold after a single day of use, with several remaining detectable for weeks.
Downs CA, DiNardo JC, Stien D, Rodrigues AMS, Lebaron P. Benzophenone accumulates over time from the degradation of octocrylene in commercial sunscreen products.
Chemical Research in Toxicology. 2021;34(4):1046–1054. Found benzophenone present in octocrylene-containing sunscreens and accumulating as products age. Benzophenone is classified by the IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). Note: the study drew published critique; the degradation finding itself is not the disputed part.
Lindqvist PG, Epstein E, Landin-Olsson M, et al. Avoidance of sun exposure is a risk factor for all-cause mortality: results from the Melanoma in Southern Sweden cohort.
Journal of Internal Medicine. 2014;276(1):77–86.
Lindqvist PG, Epstein E, Nielsen K, et al. Avoidance of sun exposure as a risk factor for major causes of death: a competing risk analysis of the Melanoma in Southern Sweden cohort.
Journal of Internal Medicine. 2016;280(4):375–387.
National Cancer Institute. Chemicals in meat cooked at high temperatures and cancer risk.
Bethesda, MD: NCI; reviewed 2017. Plain-language summary of how heterocyclic amines form from amino acids and creatine at high heat, and how polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons form from fat-drip smoke.
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Cross AJ, Sinha R. Meat-related mutagens/carcinogens in the etiology of colorectal cancer.
Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis. 2004;44(1):44–55.
International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans.
Lyon: IARC/WHO. Benzo[a]pyrene, a PAH found in grill smoke, is classified Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans). Other PAHs and several HCAs are classified Group 2A (probably carcinogenic) or Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic).
IARC Monographs ↗
Smith JS, Ameri F, Gadgil P. Effect of marinades on the formation of heterocyclic amines in grilled beef steaks.
Journal of Food Science. 2008;73(6):T100–T105. Marinades containing antioxidant herbs (notably rosemary and thyme) reduced HCA formation in grilled steak, with one commercial herb marinade producing an ~87% decrease.
Gibis M, Weiss J. Antioxidant capacity and inhibitory effect of grape seed and rosemary extract in marinades on the formation of heterocyclic amines in fried beef patties.
Food Chemistry. 2012;134(2):766–774. Reductions ranged up to roughly 90% with the highest antioxidant-extract concentrations, with effect size tracking antioxidant capacity.
Liu M, Brandsma SH, Schreder E. From e-waste to living space: flame retardants contaminating household items add to concern about plastic recycling.
Chemosphere. 2024;365:143319. Screened 203 black plastic consumer products and detected toxic flame retardants in 85% of bromine-positive samples, with chemistry consistent with recycled electronic waste. A December 2024 corrigendum corrected an exposure-dose calculation; the authors stated it did not affect the study's conclusions.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Occupational health case reports: Teflon.
US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; 1974. Documents polymer fume fever in factory workers and the temperature-dependent toxicity of PTFE pyrolysis products.
Wells RE, et al. Acute toxicosis of budgerigars from pyrolysis products of heated polytetrafluoroethylene.
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. 1982. Experimental exposure of budgerigars to PTFE pyrolysis products caused rapid avian death, the basis for the 'canary in the coal mine' comparison.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Reconciling Terminology of the Universe of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.
Paris: OECD; 2021. The basis for the figure that PFAS number in the thousands; commonly cited totals above 12,000.
US Environmental Protection Agency. PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation.
Final rule, April 10, 2024 (limits for six PFAS); proposed rescission and compliance-extension rules, May 2026 (rescinding four limits, retaining PFOA and PFOS with deadlines extended to 2031).
EPA PFAS Page ↗
Ayala A, Muñoz MF, Argüelles S. Lipid peroxidation: production, metabolism, and signaling mechanisms of malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal.
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2014;2014:360438. The standard review of how PUFAs oxidize into reactive aldehydes including 4-HNE, and the cell-signaling pathways through which those products act.
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Csala M, et al. On the role of 4-hydroxynonenal in health and disease.
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (Molecular Basis of Disease). 2015;1852(5):826–838. 4-HNE as a marker and mediator of oxidative stress, with elevated formation implicated in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease. Note: this is mechanistic and associational evidence, not established population-level causation.
Guyenet SJ, Carlson SE. Increase in adipose tissue linoleic acid of US adults in the last half century.
Advances in Nutrition. 2015;6(6):660–664. Adipose-tissue linoleic acid rose substantially over the twentieth century, tracking the shift toward seed oils in the diet.
DiNicolantonio JJ, O'Keefe JH. Omega-6 vegetable oils as a driver of coronary heart disease: the oxidized linoleic acid hypothesis.
Open Heart. 2018;5(2):e000898. States the case that oxidized linoleic acid contributes to heart disease, and cites the roughly two-year adipose half-life. This is a hypothesis paper arguing one side; included because it is where the essay's strongest claims live, not because the question is settled.
Kearns CE, Schmidt LA, Glantz SA. Sugar industry and coronary heart disease research: a historical analysis of internal industry documents.
JAMA Internal Medicine. 2016;176(11):1680–1685. Documents how the Sugar Research Foundation funded 1960s research that steered blame toward fat and away from sugar.
Whinfield JR, Dickson JT. Improvements relating to the manufacture of highly polymeric substances.
British Patent 578,079 (filed 1941). The polyethylene terephthalate (polyester) patent from the Calico Printers' Association, Manchester; later commercialized as Terylene (ICI) and Dacron (DuPont).
Bos JD, Meinardi MMHM. The 500 Dalton rule for the skin penetration of chemical compounds and drugs.
Experimental Dermatology. 2000;9(3):165–169. The basis for the 'skin is not a barrier' framing: molecules below a size threshold cross the skin, the principle behind transdermal drug delivery (nicotine, hormones, scopolamine, fentanyl).
Yakovenko N, Pérez-Serrano L, Segur T, et al. Airborne microplastics in indoor environments (homes and cars).
PLOS One. 2025;20. University of Toulouse study estimating that adults inhale roughly 68,000 lung-penetrating microplastic particles per day, with concentrations in cars about four times those in homes.
De Falco F, et al. Microfiber release to water, via laundering, and to air, via everyday use: a comparison.
Environmental Science & Technology. 2020;54(6):3288–3296. On the hundreds of thousands of fibers shed per synthetic wash load.
International Agency for Research on Cancer. Formaldehyde.
IARC Monographs, Vol. 100F. Lyon: IARC/WHO; 2012. Formaldehyde classified Group 1, carcinogenic to humans. Regulatory limits: EU REACH Annex XVII (75 mg/kg in skin-contact textiles); Japan Law 112 (non-detectable for infant clothing); no US federal limit.
IARC Monograph ↗
European Chemicals Agency. Restriction of azo dyes that release carcinogenic aromatic amines, REACH Annex XVII, entry 43.
The basis for the claim that certain azo dyes release recognized carcinogenic aromatic amines when broken down by skin bacteria or sweat.
ECHA REACH ↗
McNeely E, et al. Symptoms related to new flight attendant uniforms.
BMC Public Health. 2018;17(1):972. Harvard T.H. Chan School study following 684 Alaska Airlines flight attendants before and after the 2011 Twin Hill uniform rollout, documenting increased respiratory, dermatological, and allergic symptoms.
Blum A, Ames BN. Flame-retardant additives as possible cancer hazards.
Science. 1977;195(4273):17–23. The paper arguing that the main flame retardant in children's pajamas (Tris-BP) was a mutagen; the CPSC banned Tris in children's garments in April 1977.
Blum A, Gold MD, Ames BN, et al. Children absorb Tris-BP flame retardant from sleepwear: urine contains the mutagenic metabolite 2,3-dibromopropanol.
Science. 1978;201(4360):1020–1023. Documents Tris breakdown products in children's urine, including children wearing well-washed pajamas.
Xia C, Diamond ML, Peaslee GF, et al. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in North American school uniforms.
Environmental Science & Technology. 2022;56(19):13845–13857. Fluorine detected in 65% of children's textile samples, with the highest PFAS concentrations in school uniforms and higher levels in those labeled 100% cotton than in synthetic blends.
Baron KG, Abbott S, Jao N, Manalo N, Mullen R. Orthosomnia: are some patients taking the quantified self too far?
Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2017;13(2):351–354. The case series that named orthosomnia, by researchers at Rush University and Northwestern, after the term orthorexia.
Market valuation figures for the wearable sleep-tracker segment.
Roughly $16 billion in 2025, projected near $40 billion by 2034, as reported in 2025 industry market analyses. Industry market-sizing report, not peer-reviewed research; figures vary by how the category is defined.
23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025, with its database of roughly 15 million genetic profiles as its principal asset.
Public record; widely reported. Cited as a precedent for consumer health-data vulnerability. HIPAA covers healthcare providers and insurers, not consumer device makers — a matter of federal statute.
A randomized controlled trial published in PLOS One found that removing the phone from the bedroom or restricting use before bed improved sleep measures over a multi-week period.
Verify exact title and volume before print.
A study in Nature and Science of Sleep associated phone proximity at night with longer sleep onset and more disturbances.
Verify exact citation to title and volume before print.
Camacho M, et al. Myofunctional therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Sleep. 2015;38(5):669–675. Reported AHI reductions on the order of 50% in adults. Nasal-breathing physiology (nitric oxide production on the inhale, airway conditioning) is well established.
Sanlorenzo M, Wehner MR, Linos E, et al. The risk of melanoma in airline pilots and cabin crew: a meta-analysis.
JAMA Dermatology. 2015;151(1):51–58. Pilots and cabin crew have approximately twice the melanoma incidence of the general population. The FAA has classified flight crews as 'radiation workers' since 1994.
Drennan IR, Strum RP, Byers A, et al. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in high-rise buildings: delays to patient care and effect on survival.
CMAJ. 2016;188(6):413–419. Survival after cardiac arrest fell with increasing floor level.
NASA bone-mineral-density research: astronauts lose roughly 1–2% of weight-bearing bone mass per month in microgravity; spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) is the named vision condition.
NASA / space-medicine literature.
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This research library is a companion to WellHaus's editorial magazine. Citations are provided for informational purposes. This page is not medical advice.

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