John Kopp
John Kopp is the Chief Health Reporter/Assistant Editor at PhillyVoice. He joined the newsroom after spending five years reporting for the Delaware County Daily Times. He spent the prior year covering state and local politics, including a $4 million Pennsylvania state Senate race. He previously covered Chester city government, the Chester Upland School District and high-school sports. A Temple University graduate, John enjoys long-distance running, watching baseball and exploring new places.
September 16, 2019
Addiction
Potential carcinogen in menthol e-cigarettes exceeds safety levels, study finds
The chemical – known as pulegone (and pronounced pju-leh-goan) – was banned as a food additive last year by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration due to its carcinogenic properties. The FDA does not regulate pulegone's presence in e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.September 16, 2019
Illness
Americans lack awareness about HPV, study finds
Many U.S. adults lack awareness of the dangers posed by human papillomavirus, the most commonly sexually-transmitted infection, according to a new study.September 13, 2019
Addiction
Pennsylvania has at least 17 vaping-related lung disease cases
Pennsylvania health secretary Dr. Rachel Levine is urging residents to refrain from vaping – particularly any unregulated marijuana products.September 13, 2019
Adult Health
FDA investigating cancer-causing impurities in Zantac
The FDA is investigating whether low levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable carcinogen found in ranitidine, pose a risk to patients. It is not, for now, recommending patients cease taking the medicationsSeptember 13, 2019
Healthy Eating
Philly requiring chain restaurants to warn customers of foods with high sodium
Chain restaurants in Philadelphia must warn customers when foods have sodium levels that exceed the recommended daily maximum.September 12, 2019
Health Stories
Chinese scientists use CRISPR to edit genes of HIV patient
Chinese scientists have used the gene-editing tool CRISPR in an attempt to cure a man of HIV, according to the first published account of using the technology to treat a disease in an adult.September 12, 2019
Opioids
Pennsylvania sues Purdue Pharma's Sackler family
Pennsylvania is suing members of the Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, for their alleged role in the state's opioid crisis, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths.September 12, 2019
Addiction
South Jersey teens sue Juul for deceptive marketing
Three South Jersey teenagers have filed separate federal lawsuits against Juul Labs, alleging the e-cigarette maker targeted youth through its marketing strategies, product design and flavors.September 11, 2019
Healthy Eating
Most Philly stores primarily sell unhealthy foods, city report finds
The vast majority of retail food stores in Philadelphia mostly sell unhealthy foods, according to a report released Wednesday by the city's health department.September 11, 2019
Addiction
Trump administration to ban flavored e-cigarettes
The Trump administration reportedly is ready to ban flavored e-cigarettes as federal health officials continue to investigate hundreds of lung illnesses tied to vaping.Just In
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- AI chatbot companions could be making adults more lonely, new study finds
- The Phillies, finally, shook up their lineup. But this feels like sink or swim.
