Have a science question on a public policy issue? Ask us.
¿Tiene una pregunta sobre temas de salud o de ciencia? Pregúntenos.
Q: Have scientists confirmed that e-cigarettes cause an incurable respiratory disease called “popcorn lung”?
A: No. The vapor of some e-cigarettes contains a chemical associated with popcorn lung, and a case report suggests a possible link. But there’s not enough evidence to conclude the vapors cause the disease.
Q: Are the chemicals in fracking solution protected from being made public by a law passed while Dick Cheney was vice president?
A: Yes. A 2005 law bans the federal government from requiring companies to disclose fracking chemicals. But 28 states do require disclosure of some fracking fluids.
In January 2015, we launched SciCheck — a feature devoted to fact-checking false and misleading scientific claims. Today, we introduce Ask SciCheck, which will provide answers to your questions about science and public policy.
Is Louisiana losing a football field of land to the ocean every hour? Yes. Both natural processes and human activities contribute to the land loss, though humans are primarily to blame.