Medical Myths and Urban Legends

Rumors spread faster than the truth, it seems. The internet is a wonderful place to find both information and misinformation. This page is intended to link you to sources that will help you find the facts about some EMS and Health related tales that you may have heard.  But which pages have the truth and which are bunk?  You always need to use critical thinking skills in evaluating anything you read; on the web or anywhere else.

Tall Tales, Hoaxes and Disinformation
Listed in no particular order...
Most topics have numerous links to pages that debunk them:
Stolen Kidneys: [1][2][3][4] Odd Accidents & Deaths: [1][2][3]
Cough CPR: [1][2][3][4][5] Kidnappers at the Mall: [1][2][3]
LSD & Poison on Phones: [1][2] Needles in Phones & Seats: [1][2][3]
LSD Tattoos, etc.: [1][2][3] Sunscreen Causes Blindness: [1][2][3]
Klingerman (Blue Envelope) Virus: [1][2][3] Microwaved Water is Dangerous: [1][2][3]
Lethal Rat Urine: [1][2] Coca-Cola is Dangerous: [1][2]
Knock-out Perfume: [1][2] Mountain Dew as a Contraceptive: [1][2]
You'll Catch a Cold if you get Chilled: [1][2][3] Aspartame Warnings: [1][2][3][4][5]
Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer: [1][2][3][4] Asbestos in Tampons: [1][2][3][4]
Contact Lenses & Corneal Damage: [1][2][3][4] Ultra Clorox is Dangerous: [1][2]
"Slimjims" Activate Airbags: [1][2][3][4] Deadly Spiders in Toilets: [1][2][3]
Roach Eggs in your... : [1][2][3] Date Rape Drug Progesterex: [1][2][3]
This space for rent... Any suggestions?

By the way, does the full moon really have any effect on behavior or emergency services? Nope... [1][2][3][4][5]


Resource Links
Check on items not listed here using these links:
(Look them over carefully and decide how credible you think their evidence is.)

The AFU FAQ: Mad Medicine The AFU & Urban Legends Archive
About Urban Legends Urban Legends Reference Pages
Truth or Fiction Junk Science
Quack Watch List of Health & Safety Scares CDC Hoax & Rumor

This is not an exhaustive listing, nor is it meant to be.
However, if you have a rumor you want to see linked here, drop me a line.

If you have comments or suggestions, send me an email.
Last Updated 11-21-03

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