Skip to main content

Featured

Ontario’s Math Struggles Spark Provincial Review of Student Testing

Ontario’s latest standardized test results reveal that math achievement remains a serious concern across the province , with many students failing to meet expected benchmarks. The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released its 2024–2025 assessment data this week, showing that only 51% of Grade 6 students and 58% of Grade 9 students met the provincial math standard , while Grade 3 students fared slightly better at 64%. Despite modest improvements compared to previous years, the results underscore a persistent gap in student performance. Education Minister Paul Calandra acknowledged that progress has been too slow, announcing the creation of a two-member advisory body to review Ontario’s approach to standardized testing and curriculum delivery . The review will examine whether current teaching strategies, resources, and assessment methods are effectively supporting student learning. The EQAO results also highlighted disparities among student groups and school boards ,...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

Cancer-Causing Chemical Detected in Acne Treatments: Brands Under Scrutiny

 


In a recent alarming discovery, independent U.S. laboratory Valisure has detected high levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene in certain acne treatments. Brands affected include:

  1. Clinique (Estee Lauder)
  2. Clearasil (Reckitt Benckiser-owned)
  3. Proactiv
  4. Target Corp.'s Up & Up
  5. PanOxyl
  6. Walgreens’ acne soap bar
  7. Walmart’s Equate Beauty acne cream

Benzene, a known carcinogen, was found not only in the acne products themselves but also in the air around incubated products, suggesting a potential inhalation risk. Valisure has filed a petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urging product recalls, investigations, and revised industry guidance. The situation is substantially different from previous cases where benzene impurities came from contaminated ingredients. Here, benzene originates directly from the benzoyl peroxide itself, forming at unacceptably high levels.

Consumers are advised to stay informed as regulatory responses unfold. The FDA’s reaction to Valisure’s petition remains pending. Companies implicated in this issue, including Estee Lauder, have yet to respond to media inquiries.

As we await further developments, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and informed choices when it comes to skincare products. 









Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment