Lost Debate LA Fires, Fluoride and IQ, Alcohol and Cancer
Jan 9, 2025
Roni Rabin, a New York Times reporter specializing in maternal and child health, joins the conversation to tackle pressing public health issues. They discuss the contentious debate around fluoride in drinking water and its potential effect on children's IQ, underscoring the need for more research. The dialogue then shifts to alcohol, revealing how industry funding influences health studies and complicates the understanding of alcohol's risks, particularly regarding breast cancer. They explore societal pressures surrounding drinking, drawing parallels with vegetarianism.
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California Wildfires
- Ravi Gupta reflects on the devastating California wildfires, mentioning his personal connection to Topanga Canyon.
- He expresses concern about the area's future, given the extent of the damage.
Climate Change and Wildfires
- The increasing frequency of extreme fires suggests a concerning trend related to climate change.
- Southern California's dry season exacerbates the fire risk.
Insurance Crisis
- The wildfires pose a threat to California's home insurance market, potentially impacting the state’s fiscal stability.
- Insurance companies are leaving California due to increasing fire risks, shifting the burden to the state.