Heavy Metals

Heavy Metals

Lead Poisoning:

Needleman’s article on Lead poisoning reveals how lead has been a known toxin to human health for a very long time. In addition Needleman cites several studies which reveal the negative effects imposed on human health, as a result of exposure to lead. In particular, Needleman reveals that children are more susceptible to lead poisoning, and its negative effects, than adults. To show this, Needleman cites several studies which looked for lead’s unique effects on children’s health. For instance, a study led by Fergusson et al. revealed that adolescents who had been exposed to lead throughout their childhood had poorer reading skills, than those who had not been exposed to the same levels of lead. Overall, lead had the effect of stunting children’s cognitive abilities, within the studies.

Lead Poisoning in Nigeria:

This story was indeed a tragic one, as a result of lead poisoning in children. Of particular note to me was that the exposure’s source came as a result of foreign demand for artisanal gold products. This has made me consider where not only my food products come from, but where my other personal products come from as well. It is easy for us to ignore the origin of the products we buy, when they could be manufactured under illegal or dangerous practices. Consequently, our passivity to these facts, and our consumption of such products, indirectly fuels such illegal and dangerous practices to persist. In this story, it resulted in the deaths of hundreds of children.

Therefore, this story is truly presents a global health issue. Our health is often times dependent upon one another. Even as far as Africa, people’s health can be effected by our demand for certain products. When we ignore the origin of these products, we can blindly support the destruction of environments elsewhere, and the health of the populations within those environments.

Green Chemistry

Green Chemistry

I believe that green chemistry is a fantastic way to help innovate and create new methods of creating products with less harmful, chemical production and distribution methods. As a philosophy, I believe that it should be implemented with any manufacturer of consumer and other products. By using such a philosophy and such methods in the production of products, harm can be reduced to the environment, and as a consequence, all of us.

One method of green chemistry that I am aware of is the use and creation of non-BPA plastics. However, I understand through both this class and through other articles, that BPA free plastics may be just as unsafe as BPA containing plastics (as cited in LaMotte, 2016). However, in addition to BPA free plastics, I am aware of several efforts to create new sources of vehicle fuels. For instance, an engine has already been created which runs entirely on air, being able to go at least 111mph (as cited in Walters, 2015). Such a vehicle surely follows the principles of green chemistry, and should be in widespread use.

Overall, I feel that the 12 principles of green chemistry lay-out a great framework for the development of green products. At several different levels of production, there are several possibilities for the innovation of green chemicals. Using these principles as a guide in the production of chemical containing products would greatly reduce our negative environmental impact.

References:

http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/01/health/bpa-free-alternatives-may-not-be-safe/

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3074298/The-car-runs-FRESH-AIR-hits-111mph-water-comes-exhaust-no-s-not-science-fiction-buy-soon-afford-it.html

6 Chemical Classes

6 Chemical Classes

1. Highly Fluorinated Chemicals

These chemicals are used in various consumer products, such as cookware, clothing, carpeting, and food packaging materials. These chemicals are also used as surfactants in firefighting foams. In particular, two C8 fluorochemicals, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), have been associated with adverse health effects in humans. Primarily, these chemicals have been positively associated with testicular and kidney cancers, as well as liver malfunction. In 2009, the EPA has set recommendations, which define safe/unsafe exposure levels within drinking water. Overall, more research is required to further support evidence which has suggested that fluorinated chemicals have adverse effects on human health.

2. Chlorinated Antimicrobials: Triclosan and Triclocarban

These chemicals are used to prevent the growth of bacteria. They were originally used in hospital settings, and are now used in many consumer products, such as detergent, soap, shampoo, deodorant, body lotion, cosmetics, toothpaste, mouthwash and clothing. In addition, Triclosan can be found embedded into plastics used to make furniture, fitness mats, toys, and cutting boards. Primarily, these chemicals  are used to decrease bacterial levels on surfaces that come in contact with humans. Many of us are exposed to these chemicals on a regular basis, and the CDC has found that 75% of Americans tested positive for these substances in their urine. These chemicals have been found to disrupt the estrogenic, androgenic and thyroidal systems, and increase the effects of naturally occurring estrogen.  These chemicals are released in high levels from sewage plants, and may pose an environmental hazard as well. However, these chemicals are not known to be dangerous to human health, and more research is required to understand if they pose as a health hazard to humans

3. Brominated, Chlorinated, and Phosphate-Containing Flame Retardants

Flame retardants are used to prevent the ignition and spread of fire. They are found in furniture, baby products, electronics, building insulation, and wire and cable. Many of these flame retardants contain organohalogens, which are often found to be toxic. As these chemicals are found in many products that we are regularly exposed to on a daily basis, nearly all Americans have been found to have tested positive for organohalogen flame retardants in their blood and body tissues. Levels of these chemicals have been found to be highest in children. The adverse effects of these chemicals is well-known, and includes reduced IQ, fertility, birth defects, and hormonal changes.

4. Bisphenols and Phthalates

These chemicals are commonly found within plastic products, and are used to harden plastics, as well as make them clearer. They can be found in food and drinking water, as well as in the ambient air and soil. As we rely heavily on plastics throughout our day-to-day lives, may of us are exposed to high level of these substances. Primarily, these substances act as endocrine disruptors, and have been found to cause type I diabetes, thyroid diseases, childhood obesity, asthma, and other neurological disorders. Currently, more research is needed for the design of safer alternatives.

5. Organic Solvents

Solvents are used to dissolve materials. Many consumer products contain solvents, such as paints, coatings, inks, adhesives, nail polishes and removers, paint strippers and cleaning and degreasing products. Of the most common solvents used in consumer products include water and organic-based solvents, which include hydrocarbons, oxygenated hydrocarbons, and halogenated hydrocarbon solvents. The products are known to be harmful to human health. Primarily, we are exposed to these products through inhalation, because they evaporate quickly, upon being exposed to air. Exposures can lead to neurotoxicity, live and kidney damage, carcinogenic effects, and reproductive toxicity.

6. Certain Metals

Metals are naturally occurring, and are often released into the environment through the mining process. Certain metals can be harmful to human health, and these include mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium. As these metals are widely used in consumer products, we are exposed to such toxins that are harmful to human health. Some of these metals, such as mercury, can be inhaled as a vapor, or ingested through foods. These metals can cause nervous system disorders, memory loss, blindness, hearing loss, and decreased cognitive functions. Moreover, many of these substances can be carcinogenic to humans.

Ideal Chemical Policy

Ideal Chemical Policy

Considering the elements of chemical policies found in the Louisville Charter, I would want many, of not all of the same elements in an ideal chemical policy. Essentially, these elements would include systems accountability and reform. Manufacturers and distributors of toxic substances should never be allowed to withhold any information on the health risks and hazards of their products, from the general public. Also, these Manufacturers and distributors should be encouraged to make changes to their products, so that the both environment and the public's health is promoted. 

The ability to have access to informing relevant to one's health would seem to be a universal, and immediate right. However, this is not the case. Many manufacturers of toxic products are allowed to withhold health hazard information from the public it sells to. In so doing, they deliberately keep us ignorant of any harm that may befall us and our loved-ones. Moreover, the very federal agencies, such as the FDA, which are tasked to protect from such harm, are the same agencies allowing such harm to be introduced into the populace. It is a systemic issue within our government and society, where corporations appear to have unchecked power and privileges to do as they please. Therefore, policies should be aimed at dismantling these privileges, by imposing strict standards on the products disseminated to the public.  In general, anything that placed an undo burden on environmental and public health should not be permitted to be distributed.

One way to help facilitate changes in the toxic products produced by manufacturers would be to encourage the creation of alternatives. These alternatives should be environmentally friendly, and place the public at minimal risk of toxic exposure. Also, those entities which do attempt to produce and distribute good alternatives should be rewarded for their efforts. Consequently, it could be assumed that other manufacturers of toxic substances would be encouraged to eliminate or decrease the toxins within their products. Therefore, policies aimed at reducing toxic exposures should seek to encourage the innovation of alternative, environmentally friendly products.

Chemical Policy Reform: The Louisville Charter

Chemical Policy Reform: The Louisville Charter

 I believe that the Louisville Charter and its proposed policy elements, would be a great benefit to both environmental and public health in the Louisville area. Also, I would hope that the passage of such policies in Louisville would serve as a catalyst to promote similar changes throughout the United States. The policies, and policy elements of the charter remind me of the policies that many other European countries have already implemented. It is unnerving that the United States is so far behind in terms of such environmental policies, and I hope to see such policies become implemented in the near future. 

Require Safer Substitutes and Solutions:

The first element of the charter concerns the substitution and/or solutions for hazardous chemical emissions. Moreover, for those entities that substitute and/or eliminate their use of hazardous chemicals, they are rewarded. Both the actions of seeking to eliminate hazardous chemicals, and providing a reward to the entities that make such changes appears to be very prudent. It may costs certain industries a substantial amount to lessen or eradicate their use of toxic substances, so providing some reward would hopefully encourage them to move forward with positive changes. 

Phase Out Persistent, Bioaccumulative, or Highly Toxic Chemicals:

This element of policy reform prioritizes the elimination of toxic substances which are slow to degrade, are negative to the health of the environment and public, and the exportation of such substances. This makes me think of radioactive and nuclear waste, which often times takes an incredibly long time to degrade to levels which are not harmful to the environment or public health. Also, it makes me consider the implementation of such policies when it comes to landfills and the use and management of waste, in general. I believe that our current systems of waste management contribute to a very large source of slowly decaying toxic substances. Therefore, I can see that such a policy which seeks to prioritize the elimination of slowly degrading toxic substance may prioritize waste disposal and management. 

Give the Public and Workers the Full Right-to-Know and Participate:

Providing everyone with the knowledge they need to make a choice as to whether or not they will be exposed to toxic substances is something which I particularly support. As we have seen through several of our exercises in this class, often times we are exposed to toxins out of pure ignorance. However, provided with the necessary knowledge, I am certain that most would not choose to be exposed to these toxins. Therefore, it would seem appropriate that if we are to have a choice, we should be give the right to know what we are potentially exposing ourselves to. 

Act on Early Warnings:

It would seem standard to act of the early warning signs of environmental and public health hazards, but this does not always appear to happen. However, I believe that such policies aimed at improving environmental and public health should focus on preventing maladies well before it gets out-of-hand.

Require Comprehensive Safety Data for All Chemicals:

This element of environmental health policies is similar to the "right to know" policy. No entity that sells or produces potentially harmful substances should be allowed to go without informing the public of what harmful materials their products may contain.  In order for people to protect themselves, they must have the knowledge of what risks they may be taking when purchasing or using certain products. This policy element is ethically sound. The fact that this is even needed suggest that there are some serious issues present within the current policies imposed on the manufacturers of toxic substances. 

Take Immediate Action to Protect Communities and Workers:

I really enjoyed this element in the Louisville Charter, because it specifies that by taking immediate action on issues putting communities at risk, it also helps eliminate the possibility of a disproportionate health burden being placed n a certain segment of the population. For instance, it is often the areas of higher socioeconomic status that enjoy easy access to public transit, healthy food options, safe parks and recreation, clean air, while those at a lower socioeconomic status do not.  This provides an open door to a disproportionate health burden being placed on those of lower socioeconomic status. Therefore, immediate actions aimed at eliminating health hazards, regardless of which community is being affected, appear to be a great way to also help eliminate disproportionate health burdens being placed on the backs of the poor.

Pesticides

Pesticides

Last Night's Dinner:

• 1 cup of Black Bean Soup
• Sourdough Bread
• Latte-(Whole Milk, coffee)

Last Night's Pesticides:

• Conventional Black Beans- 
• Boscalid (average: 0.009 micrograms per 100 grams of black beans)
• Fungicide
• EPA level of Concern for Boscalid: 15260 micrograms/day for a 70kg male
• Wheat Flour (Sourdough Bread)
• Malathion
• Carcinogen, Neurotoxin, Hormone Disruptor, Bee Toxin
• Chlorpyrifos Methyl
• Neurotoxin, Bee Toxin
• Methoxychlor p,p'
• Hormone Disruptor, Bee Toxin
• Piperonyl Butoxide
• Carcinogen, Hormone Disruptor, Bee Toxin
• Pirimiphos Methyl
• Neurotoxin, Bee Toxin
• Trifluralin
• Carcinogen, Hormone Disruptor, Bee Toxin
• Fluridone
• N/A
• Diazinon
• Carcinogen, Neurotoxin, Hormone Disruptor, Bee Toxin, Reproductive Toxin
• Cyfluthrin
• Bee Toxin
• Thiabendazole
• Carcinogen, Reproductive Toxin
• Clondinafop Propargyl
• Carcinogen, Bee Toxin
• Myclobutanil
• Reproductive Toxin, Hormone Disruptor
• Etridiazole
• Carcinogen, Hormone Disruptor
• Carfentrazone Ethyl
• Bee Toxin
• DDE p,p'
• Carcinogen, Reproductive Toxin, Hormone Disruptor
• Carbofuran
• Neurotoxin, Hormone Disruptor, Bee Toxin
• Latte (milk & Coffee)
• DDE p,p'
• Carcinogen, Reproductive Toxin, Hormone Disruptor
• Iprodione
• Carcinogen, Hormone Disruptor
• Dicofol p,p'
• Carcinogen, Hormone Disruptor
• Permethrin Trans
• N/A
• Coffee not listed on website...

Reflections:

I find it disturbing to realize just how much we can be potentially exposing ourselves to toxins on a regular basis, through the foods and drinks we consume. In particular, I am concerned that the toxic substances in these products are potentially very harmful to human health. I did not ask to be exposed to these substances, and I certainly do not believe that the greater public should be exposed to these substances, as well. Considering that much of these toxins get into these food and beverage products through the use of toxic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, I believe policy changes should be implemented to dissuade or eliminate the use of such products within agriculture. Otherwise, I believe alternatives should be created for the agricultural industry, to use in order to prevent pests from infesting their crops, but that are less harmful to the environment and the public's health. 

Also, I feel that the United States government has really shown a substantial lack of concern for it's populace. Conversely, when we see European countries face the same issue, they tend to implement preventative policies to restrict the use of agricultural products that may be detrimental to the environment and/or their populace. Overall, I am concerned for our society, and where it is headed. The lack of concern shown by the U.S. government towards the public health of its citizens, and its apparent submission to corporate interest, is foreboding. 

Radon and Lung Cancer

Radon and Lung Cancer

There are studies which suggest a strong, positive correlation between exposure to radon, and lung cancer (Ruano-Ravina, Rodriguez, Cerdeira-Carames, & Barros-Dios 2009), p. 155). In fact, these assocations are considered to be so strong, that radon exposure is considered to be the second leading cause of lung cancer, next to tobacco smoke inhalation (Washington State Department of Health, n.d.).As radon is an ever prevalent issue, particularly for home-owners, I have become interested in studying the subject more. Also, I do not know much about radon. I would like to more about it, and how to protect myself and loved-ones from being exposed.

Federal Effort on Radon Prevention:

Several federal agencies are involved with radon prevention, both directly and indirectly. These agencies include the EPA, CDC, USDA, DOD, DOE, GSA, HHS, HUD, DOI, and VA. Most of these federal agencies work together, under such radon prevention efforts as the Federal Radon Action Plan (FRAP). FRAP was a collaborative effort between the federal, state and local government, to increase awareness and safety from Radon Exposure.

In addition to FRAP, the EPA helped implement the National Radon Action Plan, or the NRAP. The NRAP is currently being headed by the American Lung Association, and has set a 2020 goal to address radon exposure at 5 million homes, which is predicted to reduce the incidence of lung cancer in the United States.

Washington State Efforts:

The Washington State Department of Health, and their department of environmental health, heads the state's efforts on radon exposure prevention. Their website contains information on radon awareness and prevention. In addition, they are partnered with the CDC, in radon prevention efforts throughout the state.

The Division of Geology and Earth Resources at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources also helps in statewide efforts of radon prevention. This department has created detailed maps of those areas of highest risk to radon exposure, as well as provided information on local agencies heading efforts on radon exposure.
Local Efforts:

In Snohomish County, the Snohomish Health District heads efforts on radon prevention. This is primarily carried out by the Snohomish Health District's Department of Environmental Health. They also provide information on their website, pertaining to radon exposure and prevention. Snohomish Health District works closely with The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, which helps to inspect properties and homes for radon, as well as other contaminants.

References: 

Ruano-Ravina, A., Rodríguez, M., Cerdeira-Caramés, S., & Barros-Dios, J. (2009). Residential Radon and Lung Cancer. Epidemiology, 20(1), 155-156. Retrieved from http://0-www.jstor.org.ignacio.usfca.edu/stable/25662685

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission

A decedent of the Atomic Energy Commission, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) was created through the enactment of The Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (USNRC, 2016). Primarily the USNRC is tasked with protecting the public from radiation hazards generated by public and private agencies, within the United States. This includes producing standards and regulations for radiation producing entities, such as nuclear reactors, and the disposal of nuclear waste.

This agency has a major role to play in ensuring the environmental health of the United States. For instance, the USNRC regulates how far nuclear, or other radiation producing facilities are to be from residential and commercial areas. Such regulations can help reduce the exposure of citizens from substances such as radon, which has been been strongly associated to several negative health outcomes, such as lung cancer (Alavanja, Lubin, Mahaffey, & Brownson, 1999). Therefore, the USNRC can help improve both public and environmental health, through the standards and regulations they impose on radiation producing facilities.

In addition to imposing regulations and standards on radiation producing facilities, the USNRC also helps monitor the disposal of nuclear and radioactive waste. As nuclear and radioactive waste have a major impact on the environment, the role of monitoring the disposal process of such materials is an essential function of environmental health. Other than monitoring nuclear and radioactive waste, the USNRC also conducts research to improve the ways in which nuclear and radioactive waste is disposed of. 

References:

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (2015). Regulation of Radioactive Materials. Retrieved March 11, 2017, from https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/radiation/protects-you/reg-matls.html

Alavanja MC, Lubin JH, Mahaffey JA, Brownson RC (1999). Residential radon exposure and risk of lung cancer in Missouri. American Journal of Public Health. 89(7):1042–1048.

Local Environmental Services

Local Environmental Services

Within Snohomish county, Washington, the primary public health entity is the Snohomish Health District. This is a public agency, which is not a part of the county of Snohomish, but is tasked with ensuring the public health of Snohomish County. Snohomish County does not have its own department of Public Health. The Snohomish Health District is partly funded through Snohomish County, but also relies on other financial sources, such as grant funding, donations, and fees associated with their services. 

Within the Snohomish Health District is the Environmental Health Division, which is specifically concerned with the environmental health of Snohomish County. The Environmental Health Department of the Snohomish Health District has three, primary programs as follows: Food Safety, Water & Wastewater, and Solid Waste & Toxics. Other programs of the Snohomish Health District's Environmental Health Division include the Camp Safety Program, and the Environmental Health Software Update Program.

The Food Safety program of the Environmental Health Divsion of the Snohomish Health District is concerned with the training, certification, and distribution of permits for food handlers, food managers, food businesses, temporary food booths, and restaurant inspections.  

The Water & Wastewater program of the Environmental Health Division of the Snohomish Health District is concerned with reviewing and permitting on-site sewage disposal systems, and certification of septic pumpers and installers. Part of the Snohomish Health District's Water & Wastewater program includes the specialized program, named Snohomish County's Savvy Septic Program. This program offers incentives to residents and businesses for taking workshops on installing and maintaining environmentally friendly septic systems.

The Solid Waste & Toxics program of the Environmental Health Division of the Snohomish Health District permits and inspects solid waste handling facilities, monitors private water wells next to landfills, provides assistance to schools and businesses regarding their waste management, and responds to public complaints regarding  waste. The Environmental Program is also concerned with any inspections or complaints regarding toxic waste sites. In addition to the inspection of hazardous waste sites, any small businesses which produce toxic waste within a quantity less than 220lbs/month, are able to dispose of their waste at the Snohomish County Moderate Risk Waste facility, with an attached fee.  

The camp safety program of the Environmental Health Division of the Snohomish Health District inspects camp sites to ensure all facilities meet the health codes of the county. Lastly, the the Environmental Health Software Update Program is concerned with updating the ability of the Snohomish Health District to collect and analyze the data it receives, on the environmental health of the county. 

Reflections:

What surprised me most through this research is that the environmental health, and the overall public health of the county, is not directly provided through the county. Instead, another public agency which is not directly connected with Snohomish County, provides the services for Environmental and Pubic Health. This has piqued my interest in understanding why Snohomish County does not have its own department of Public Health. For instance, is it that Snohomish County simply does not have the funds to provide for its own department of Public Health, or that it is not prioritizing the funding of its own Public Health Service? Also, how well does a non-governmental agency, such as the Snohomish Health District, fare at ensuring Public health when compared to governmental agencies? 

Of the environmental health programs provided through the Snohomish Health District, the Environmental Health Software Update Program was the most interesting to me. I believe that updating and ensuring public health data collection and analysis systems are up-to-date, is an essential component to maintaining public health.  I have seen first-hand the detriments of having an inadequate system of data collection. For instance, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA) funds a grant which I work on for community health. SAMHSA provides the non-profit, community health organization I work with, with clunky, outdated excel sheets to input data into. The fact that the Snohomish Health District has a program which is specifically there to improve systems of data collection and analysis appears to be a great aspect of their services. Hopefully, this program has, and will continue to build efficient and accurate systems of data collection and analysis, for the improvement of public health in Snohomish County.

Obesogens

Obesogens

Utilizing the first article, discuss what is locally grown and what is currently in season in your area.
One of the biggest food products for which Washington States is known for are apples. the closest apple orchard to me would be The Farm at Swan's Trial. Also, red raspberries, hops, spearmint oil, wrinkled seed pees, sweet cherries, pears, grapes, carrots, green peas, and peppermint oils is all grown in Washington State. Lastly, Potatoes are a bigger product in the east of Washington state, as you approach Idaho.

Currently, squashes, potatoes, kale, carrots, beats, Brussels sprouts, celery, leaks, onions, parsnips, and turnips are in-season within Washington State. There are at least six local farmer's markets within Snohomish county to which I have access to.
Discuss your thoughts on seasonal/local foods and hospital menus.
As the first article had touched one, local foods can help promote health. Conversely, shipping non-seasonal food from an average of 1500 miles away, can lead to negative health impacts. Considering that those within the hospital are there to be brought back to health, ensuring the food available to them is local, is one way of ensuring their health is brought back. Also, this provides an excellent opportunity for not only the hospitals to support the local community, but an opportunity for the local farms to be maintained through the support of the hospitals.

Find a Harvest Calendar for your state (or a state you are interested in) utilizing the link in the first article (found underneath the example Harvest Calendar for New York State).







What are your thoughts on the second article? Have you heard of obesogens before?
I was surprised by this article to learn that obesity can also be caused by much more than simply poor dietary and exercise habits. Of course, I understand that there are a variety of things that can increase your risk for obesity, but understanding just how widespread and prevalent our exposure to obesogens can be was shocking. For instance, the fact that diabetic medication, and nicotine has been associated with obesity in children, who's mothers had taken these substances, was very interesting.

I have heard of obesogens before, but had not understood how many obesogens pervade our environment.

Pick one of the potential obesogens discussed in the article and using your resources from earlier modules (such as toxnet), do some research on this potential obesogen. Share what you found!

Avandia aka (rosiglitazone maleate):

Uses: Used for the treatment of type II diabetes.

Dangers: Has been linked to CVD, MI, heart failure, Liver failure, CHF, fluid retention, Weight gain

Primarily, Avandia activates peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), which causes an increase in fat-cell development.

Use of Antibiotics

NEARBY LIVESTOCK MAY RAISE 'SUPERBUG' RISK:

I found it interesting that MRSA is something that may also be acquired through exposure to livestock. However, when considering that much of our livestock receives antibiotics, it is less surprising to me that MRSA is something to be concerned about when it comes to live stock exposure. Of particular note in this article was that MRSA had almost exclusively been found in those within the observational study who had direct contact with livestock. Also, those who are in direct contact with livestock have a 24-77% increase in MRSA infection. 

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE 101: HOW ANTIBIOTIC MISUSE ON FACTORY FARMS CAN MAKE YOU SICK

This article expounded on the dangers of using antibiotics in agriculture. 80% of antibiotics sold in the US in 2011 had been used for agricultural purposes (p. 2).  Much of the meat injected with these antibiotics is in turn, infected with powerfully resistant bacteria, or Antibiotic-Resistant (AR) bacteria. As this meat is then sold to the public, we can also be exposed to AR bacteria. In particular, those in lower-income brackets, who do not have access to healthier foods, are disproportionately at risk for AR infection acquired through their food (p. 2). What is most shocking, however, is that the FDA has not taken steps to reduce or halt the use of antibiotics within the agricultural industry (p. 2).

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER THAT ANTIMICROBIAL WIPES AND SOAPS MAY BE MAKING YOU (AND SOCIETY) SICK

This blog relates the information found through the efforts of researchers, such as Allison Aiello of the University of Michigan, who discovered that antibiotic soaps either do not improve your chances of getting infected over regular hand soap, or can actually increase your risk of infection. Although regular soap has been shown to reduce the rates of infection, there as been evidence to show that the harsh chemicals making up antibiotic soaps are not really making much of a difference.  This was particularly true for such products containing Triclosan and Triclocarban.

Overall, this makes me consider the several ways we are exploited through advertising within our lives. I have often bought products claiming to contain antimicrobial compounds in the belief that such products are stronger than your typical cleaners. However, the evidence does not actually reveal this to be the case, and in some cases, the effects of such harsh compounds on the body can be be negative. 

A REPORT ABOUT THE NEW PRACTICE OF INCORPORATING ANTIMICROBIALS INTO THE MANUFACTURE OF HOSPITAL FURNISHINGS

This article contains similar information t that found in the previous one, but concerns the use of antimicrobial products within the hospital setting. Many hospitals have increased their use of antimicrobials in the belief that they will decrease the rates of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). However, again, the evidence does not actually support the claim that these anitmicrobial agents actually reduce the rates of infection. 

Essentially, this article suggests that more research is required on antimicrobials and their positive and negative impacts on health, before continuing their increasing use within the hospital setting. Moreover, it calls for those purchasing these products to be sensitive tot he information contained within the ingredients of these products, seeking EPA approvals, as well as holding manufacturers more accountable for the products they distribute. 

For me, the primary issues that arise when reading these articles is the astronomical lack of government regulation on manufactures of chemical products. Despite the scientific evidence suggesting that the use of antibiotics in meats, and the use of antimicrobial cleaners is negative for human health, there is little to no current regulation on manufactures when it relates to such practices. Overall, I am shocked that our own government seems to have such little concern for the health of its citizens, and instead, panders to the whims of these negligent manufacturing corporations. 

Industrial Farming

Industrial Farming

Your thoughts about the vanishing of bees (what else have you heard/seen about this issue?)


For me, the Vanishing of the Bees emphasizes how alternating the natural flow of nature often has undesirable effects. Although Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) may have various causes, much of these causes can be directly associated with human activity. For instance, many industrial bee keepers feed their bees artificially-based foods, selectively breed Queen Bees, and introduce foreign bees. Although this may increase productivity on a temporary basis, the long-term consequences of such actions can be disastrous. As the video stated, as humans, we often look for an immediate result, without understanding, or considering the long-term consequences of our actions. Therefore, I believe that "The Vanishing of the Bees" emphasized our neglect of long-term consequences and sustainability.

I have heard about CCD before, but understood very little about it. In addition, I knew that Bees are integral to our food productivity, but not the extent to which they are responsible for our food productivity. Of course, bees disappearing has a much far-reaching affect, where not only humans become negatively impacted, but the entire ecosystem becomes negatively impacted. I often think of dominoes, where every domino represents a particular species within the ecosystem; as soon as one topples, all the the dominoes follow. In this way, the vanishing of the bees could potentially lead to the vanishing of humans, and all life on earth.

Dirt!: The Movie

"Dirt!" emphasizes a point that is similar to "The Vanishing of the Bees." Just as Bees help to nourish the plants of the environment, which in turn nourish us, we are all nourished by the dirt beneath our feet. Moreover, we happen to be made from the very same compounds which are found in the dirt. Just as altering the nature of Bees can lead to negative effects, altering our relationship with dirt can also have a negative effect. For instance, as large cities often carpet the ground with insoluble cements and asphalts, it creates a barrier against water absorption. Therefore, when rains fall onto these large cement and asphalt slabs that are our cities, the water is wasted as it runs out into the oceans. Also, this water picks up several pollutants along the way, which is then spilled into the oceans. Consequently, this can lead to dead-zones in the oceans. Therefore, as we attempt to control nature, in order for it to fit our exceptions of how and what a civilization should be, we ultimately bring harm upon ourselves, and everything else in this world.

Now that we know the effects we have had on the environment, it often surprises me how little has been done to reverse our negative impacts, or to change the ways in which we live, to be more symbiotic with the environment we ultimately depend on for our very survival. It's as if we feel that that the earth and everything in it is not necessary for us to live. Overall, these movies make me encouraged by the numerous areas of public health that I can be a part of to improve our relationship with nature, but also discourage and overwhelm me with how dire our situation really is.

Were you able to discover if there is a factory farm near you? Were you already aware of farms near you? What do you think about this?

My county of residence, Snohomish County, is considered to have an extreme density of factory farms. Here is a snap shot of the make-up of the county's factory farm population, according to Factory Farm Map:

	1997	2002	2007	2012
Dairy
Animals	8,339	8,932	6,745	7,883
Avg / Site	758	638	675	1,314
Broilers
Animals	*167,397	*184,568
Avg / Site	*167,397	*184,568
Layers
Animals	*1,085,322	*484,894	*984,959	*678,579
Avg / Site	*271,330	*484,894	*492,480	*678,579

The Factory farms in Snohomish county are either dairy farms or Layer sites.

Of course, this is concerning for me, because these factory farms can have such a negative impact on the environment in which I live. This can lead to increased manure pits, which gets absorbed into the ground and water. These factory farms can help spread diseases, and often mistreat and abuse the animals within them. Overall, I was surprised to see that Snohomish county had such a high concentration of factory farms.

This information makes me unsure about buying local, as there are many factory farms local to my area. However, as long as I can ensure the source of the product, I can determine whether the product came from a factory farm or not. More importantly, this makes me concerned about the health of the environment around me, as factory farms can have such a negative impact on the environment.

Composting: Do you currently compost? Have you composted in the past? Do you know anyone who composts? Would you consider composting, after learning about its benefits from the movie?

I currently do not compost, but would like to do so in the near-future. My wife and I are currently looking for a house, and we both would like to use the compost on any land that we may posses. We hope to use the compost for growing our own garden, and hopefully become more self-sufficient.

As I live around Seattle, I know a lot of people who compost. Seattle itself has waste bins dedicated to compost materials, and if you throw away a non-compostable item into one of these bins out of confusion, you may bring the wrath of many unmerciful hipsters laying in wait. I am certain it is much the same in San Francisco, if not more extreme.