“Homeopathy will continue to be available on the NHS despite an influential health committee condemning it as medically unproven,” reported The Daily Telegraph. The newspaper, together with several other media outlets, was reporting the Department of Health’s response to a report by the House of Commons cross-party Select Committee on Science and Technology, published in February

“Windscreen wiper water may be the cause of 20% of cases of Legionnaires’ disease in England and Wales,” the BBC warned. It reported that the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has said that simply adding screenwash to wiper fluid kills the bacteria and could save lives. The news story is based on the results from a preliminary study by the HPA

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has stressed that only a very low concentration of ash particles is likely to reach ground level in the UK and this should not cause serious harm.   What are the possible health effects? Volcanic ash from most eruptions generally causes few health problems and it is not considered to be a significant health risk

The Independent has published a series of reports into bisphenol A (BPA), a “controversial chemical” that, it says, is present in some of the best-known foods and leading-brand baby bottles. The newspaper quotes experts in occupational health, who have said that the continued use of BPA in the UK raises important questions about how we safeguard public health from chemicals. They call for action by the government, but say that retailers could make efforts to reduce our exposure to this chemical.

The dangers of exposing children to cigarette smoke are widely reported today. Many newspapers have focussed on a call for smoking to be banned in all vehicles, parks and play areas, as an extension of the current smoking ban

A new genetic test could be used to detect cancer cells lingering after treatment, according to several newspapers. They also say the technology could be used to tailor treatments to each patient’s genetic cancer profile. This story is based on a press release highlighting the development of a blood test that is able to detect DNA released by tumours in the bloodstream.

A slimming pill should be withdrawn because it can “lead to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes”, The Times and other newspapers reported.