Your Health: Jan. 18, 1999

Good News on Catheters

Catheters that deliver intravenous nutrients and medication to patients can also deliver a serious blood infection. But researchers reported last week that a new device coated with antibiotics--called a Cook Spectrum Catheter--can protect against infection 12 times as well as those that are treated with antiseptics only.

Bad News on Formaldehyde

Talk about strange bedfellows. Scientists have shown that new bedsheets can emit formaldehyde--a possible carcinogen. The chemical is present in the coating that makes sheets--and permanent-press shirts--wrinkle-free. Other offenders: wet fingernail hardeners, latex paint and some floor finishes. What to do? Wash shirts and sheets...

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