Check your toenails!
A recent study says nicotine levels in toenails can determine ones likeliness of getting lung cancer.
A U.S. team of researchers measured nicotine levels in toenail samples from both smokers and non-smokers and found hose with the highest readings were over THREE TIMES more likely to get lung cancer than those with the lowest.
What is truly worrisome is that 10% of those with the highest rates of nicotine had NEVER smoked!
Those responsible for the study say their findings give an indication of the damaging effects of passive smoking, but at least they can better measure exposure and predict risk.
Researcher Wael K. Al-Delaimy says:
“Regardless of whether you are a smoker or a nonsmoker exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke, we can now better measure your exposure and predict your risk.”
Toenail clippings aren’t just giving researchers insight into lung cancer either. The study also found that toenail nicotine levels predict the risk of heart disease in women.
In fact, women with the highest toenail nicotine levels have a 42% higher risk of heart disease than do those with the lowest levels.
If your concerned with either, get those toenail clippings analyzed!
[Image via AP Images.]