I don't blame people for sending around alarmist e-mails.  You read something that sounds legitimate and shocking, and you want to warn everyone you know.  Still, I always question advice I read in an e-mail that I know has been seen by hundreds of people.  This is why I use Snopes.com.  The skeptical couple that maintains this site has done their research on hundreds of claims brought to you through e-mail, as well as other common urban legends.  Please check them out before believing a forwarded story!