I found this section to build really nicely upon Module 2. I especially liked how the Little Things Matter video built upon the pancake metaphor described in Module 2 to drive home the point that these trace amounts of chemicals are enough to alter human health. An example of this was highlighted in the Little Things Matter video with regard to Ritalin and its treatment of ADHD which positively effects ADHD symptoms, even at a level of concentration lower than a lot of chemicals commonly found in the body. The power of drug companies here needs to be addressed so that these chemicals become much more closely regulated.
Another thing I found really interesting was the article on estrogen-mimic. I honestly don't know if I'll ever want children - but I have a a few close friends who have been trying, and failing, for some time to become pregnant. This article, combined with the discussion of the body burden test, made me worry for them. I wonder if I should suggest that they partake in something like the body burden test, or suggest that they read some of these articles on chemicals that can alter fertility... but I'm not sure its my place. Still, perhaps more knowledge would assist them, and they might be able to change their fortune if they were equipped with some of this knowledge. I feel like this is a tricky situation however...these things become so much more complicated when the subjects are your friends.
Hi Alex,
ReplyDeleteYou bring up some good points. I took ADHD medications for quite a while, and I shutter when I read research about it. It definitely needs better regulation, and more research into the long-term effects of ADHD medication. Also, I appreciate that you continue to use the knowledge you learn in this class to better your own personal life and the lives of the people around you.
Hey Alex, I agree with you that medications drug companies need to become more regulated. We take medications thinking they are are going to help us feel better or decrease symptoms yet, we are harming our body even more with the chemicals we are putting in our body.
ReplyDeleteResponse: Christina
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned in your blog that its interesting that products need to be proven to be unsafe to be taken off the market. I'm right there with you in wondering how far something has to go before we actually address it as a problem and a health hazard. Some times it feels like its really hard to find the line and where to draw it in order to protect people. Still, we all know enough now to confidently state that some of these products/items are simply AWFUL.
Response: Brianna
I appreciated your statement, "no baby should have to be born pre-polluted". Wise words! Most parents I am sure never mean to intentionally harm their children, but it can become so hard to discern what medicine will help or hinder them as well as a multitude of exposures the parents are completely unaware of!