Ian Shaw
UN treaty seeks to tackle plastic pollution
Proponents of a strong global plastics treaty are raising concerns about the influence of lobbyists on the process. This as research seeks to establish a link between microplastics and a rise in bowel… Audio
Concerns after high lead levels found in blood test results
Blood tests have found unsafe levels of lead in some East Otago residents - including a number of children.
Almost 1,400 residents in and around Waikouaiti, Karitane and Hawksbury Village have been… Audio
Toxicologist says lead level contamination 'enormous'
There's doubt over whether Dunedin councillors will front up to a public meeting in Waikouaiti tonight, which is being held to disuss high levels of lead in the local water supply.
One test showed… Audio
Toxicologist: Public should've been told immediately about lead in water
A toxicologist says the public should've been told immediately about the high levels of lead in the water in the Otago towns of Karitane and Waikouaiti.
The acceptable level of lead in New Zealand is… Audio
Charcoal: Black gold?
Charcoal is credited with getting rid of gas, bloating, hangovers and generally helping us cleanse and detox. Healthy or Hoax finds out if the claims are backed up by science. Audio
Experts warn over taps leaching lead into water
Taps that leach dangerous levels of lead into drinking water have been identified in laboratory testing. The Master Plumbers industry group ordered the tests which it says show the dangers of New… Audio
1080 and Humans
Professor of Toxicology, Ian Shaw says 1080 doesn't cause cancer and explains the effects of 1080 on humans. Audio
What's really in your smoothie?
Greens powders are firmly entrenched as part of the smoothie craze, but in episode three of Healthy or Hoax we find out there's one ingredient in there you might not expect. Audio
Acrylamide in food: should we be worried?
Acrylamide's a chemical produced when starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures, so we ingest low doses of it in things like chips, toast, cereal and instant coffee. It's been in the news in… Audio
E-cigarettes: do the benefits outweigh the risks?
New Zealand's about to change the law so people can legally buy e-cigarettes containing nicotine here. This Way Up reviews the current state of our knowledge about the safety of the vaping and the… Audio, Gallery
Formaldehyde - facts and fears
Toxicologist Ian Shaw's been weighing up the latest evidence about the dangers of formaldehyde, and how to minimise your exposure. Audio
Phthalates: can they harm us?
Phthalates are a class of chemicals that make plastic flexible, putting the squeeze in your bath toys, and help make your cling film cling. But can prolonged exposure to them harm us? Toxicologist… Audio
What alcohol does to us
Toxicologist Ian Shaw explains how the body processes alcohol, and how drinking too much can do us damage. Audio
Parabens
Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in everything from our cosmetics to our food. With a lots of of consumer products marketed and sold to us as 'paraben free', we ask toxicologist Professor… Audio
Toxicologist explains how carbon monoxide works
One of the deadly fumes coming from a car exhaust is Carbon Monoxide. Audio
A toxicologist on threat of asbestos exposure in Christchurch
Authorities are reassuring Christchurch home owners that asbestos is being safely handled but stories are emerging that cast doubts on that. Audio
Experts: legal high laws useless without animal testing
Ian Shaw is a Professor of Toxicology at the University of Canterbury with 30 years experience in the field. Professor Shaw says there is no way of testing legal highs without using animals. Audio
Estrogen Mimics
The plasticiser and pestidicide, dibutylphthalate, is being studied to determine why it may cause developmental defects in men Audio
Toxicologist on world-first findings
The Defence Force says DBP was widely used in New Zealand and overseas until the mid to late 70s and was phased out after that. Audio
2011: the year of most things, including chemistry
Chinese astrologers have long deemed it the year of the rabbit. Audio