After watching the videos and reading the articles I was
shocked and saddened by the information I learned. The chemicals we are exposed
to on a daily basis are causing much harm and sickness. The fact that the
chemical Atrazine has been outlawed in Europe, yet we still use millions of pounds
of this chemical every year is very concerning. The studies and facts prove that this chemical
is very dangerous causing low sperm count in males, and is also correlated with
breast cancer in women and can counter the effects of medicine that is used to
treat breast cancer. Those who are exposed to the largest amounts of Atrazine
are in low-income communities and persons of color. It was also revealed that
fetus exposure to Atrazine caused birth defects which were directly linked to
peak exposure times of Atrazine contamination. One quote that was shared by Dr. Tyrone Hayes from a EPA spokesperson really hit me and made me question our humanity. Vulnerable populations
continue to suffer and be harmed the most by lack of regulations and laws.
The hormone disrupting chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) is a very
dangerous chemical that has a negative health impact on vulnerable populations
of pregnant women and children. Studies have linked BPA to cancer, brain,
nerve, and heart disorders as well as diabetes and obesity. Food and beverage
companies have had BPA in their products for decades and in 2009 90% of
Americans had BPA in their body and it was found in the umbilical cords of 9
out of 10 infants. With this knowledge, it is wrong to solely blame obesity on
individual’s choices of eating habits and or sedentary lifestyle. Evidence
suggests that humans may experience chronic exposure to BPA beginning before
birth. In fact, exposure during fetal development may cause more harm than
adult exposure. This certainly seems like an issue that we need to address
especially for the high rates of childhood obesity. In order to be upstreamists
as Rishi Manchanda discussed, we need to look at the source of the problem.
Meaning we need to look at where we can make changes to improve embryonic and
fetal development in the womb and decrease/eliminate toxic chemical
exposure.
Hi Marisa,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post. I too was shocked at the fact that Atrazine was banned in Europe (where it was created) but still used in the states. It is crazy! I love what you said about people solely blaming obesity on diet and sedentary life style. There are other factors in play, that medical professionals are either unaware of or are avoiding discussing with their patients. I loved what Rishi Manchanda said about we need "upstream swimmers" it makes me feel proud to have chosen a profession that does that.
Great post!
Kera
Hello Marisa,
ReplyDeleteIt's unfortunate all the exposures we face even before we are born. I think if our parent(s) knew what they were feeding us and companies were more transparent, we wouldn't be exposed to these chemicals. Same for us, I think if we learned at an earlier age the side effects from the toxic chemicals, we would avoid them. I think now as we move on in our life, I think we can use Rishi Manchanda's saying of being upstreamists and find the source of the problem for the future generations to come.
Hi Marisa,
ReplyDeleteI also thought Dr. Hayes brought up an interesting concept on our humanity, with relation to our drive for consumerism. I think it's terrifying to think that we've come to a point where we value the benefits of a toxic chemical over their horrible health effects. Thank you for sharing!
Carmen