World Health Organization

Was World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab hospitalized as of mid-April 2024? No, that's not true: An organization representative told Lead Stories on April 15, 2024, that the organization has been "targeted by conspiracy narratives," adding, "Professor Schwab's health is excellent." Additionally, no evidence or reporting supports the claim. The claim appeared in a post (archived here) published on X…

Are officials in London legally prohibited from removing bat boxes that protesters place on the city's traffic surveillance cameras? No, that's not true: It's illegal to install anything over these traffic cameras, which monitor vehicles entering and exiting the Ultra Low Emission Zone in and around the British capital. A spokesperson for Transport for London, which runs the city's transportation…

Does dairy consumption lead to calcium deficiency due to acidity, as a video on Facebook claims? No, that's not true: The International Osteoporosis Foundation writes that milk and other dairy foods are not acid-forming and do not leach calcium from the bones. A registered dietician who is a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics told Lead Stories that…

Should everyone routinely take dewormer medication, as a post on X suggested? No, that's not true: In certain parts of the world, the World Health Organization recommends periodically giving deworming medication to preschoolers, school-age children, women of reproductive age and those working in high-risk professions. These recommendations are specific to certain regions, primarily sub-Saharan Africa, China, South America and Asia.…

Does stretching the back and arms improve liver and spleen function by stimulating certain "meridians," as a post on Facebook suggested? No, that's not true: A gastroenterologist told Lead Stories that "there is no conclusive scientific evidence that meridians exist" and "no evidence that [stretching] can be used to improve liver and spleen function." The page that posted the claim…

Does a paste of dates, walnuts, almonds and raisins steeped in water have scientifically proven deworming properties? No, that's not true: A board-certified medical doctor specializing in infectious diseases and internal medicine told Lead Stories that such a mixture is not proven to be effective. Lead Stories found no evidence supporting the claim. The claim appeared in a reel (archived…

Does proof exist that fluoride toothpaste causes brain damage in adults? No, that's not true: The amount of fluoride consumed when brushing teeth, even with a high-fluoride toothpaste, is far below the toxic levels cited by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. A study from that agency that reported the death of rodents exposed to fluoride referred only to…

Does sodium bicarbonate in bottled water pose significant health risks? No, that's not true: This element is commonly known as baking soda, which is chemically salt. The Food and Drug Administration considers sodium bicarbonate safe to be used in food. The claim appeared in a post (archived here) on Instagram on March 2, 2024. It opened: What are your thoughts…

Is exposure to radium beneficial to human health, as a post on Instagram implies? No, that's not true: Radium is recognized by public health experts as a known carcinogen or cancer-causing agent. While it is true that radium was historically touted in the 20th century for its supposed health benefits and used in a variety of products at the time,…

Did Amy Schumer say she developed "vaccine acquired immune deficiency syndrome" (VAIDS) as a result of COVID-19 vaccination? No, that's not true: Schumer said on her Instagram account that she has endometriosis, a disease that causes tissue similar to the lining of the uterus to grow outside the uterus. VAIDS is not a recognized medical condition related to COVID-19 vaccination…