Introduction
Individuals were exposed to many chemicals every day, which then accumulated in their cells and organs, were transmitted to their children, and decreased their level of well-being. Scientists Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie committed themselves to research and completed a sequence of investigations to temporarily increase their specific concentrations of mercury, BPA, Teflon, and other contaminants to reveal the degree of toxification. The book Slow Death by Rubber Duck is a depiction of not only how chemicals influence people’s health, but the significant socioeconomic and ecological factors the issue of pollution can cause.
Summary of Content
Skincare products, toothpaste, soft furnishings, and toys for children are a few of the everyday objects in households and work environments that contain some of the most hazardous chemicals. Major environmental activists Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie performed studies by consuming and breathing a variety of items common to people’s daily life to represent this argument (Smith & Lourie, 2019). They reveal the substantial corporate leaders that produce the poisons by utilizing their bodies in terms of the source of reference to convey the subject of pollutants in the current world (Smith & Lourie, 2019). In addition, the writers emphasize the responsibility of the government authorities with considerable managerial weaknesses that allowed the pollution scenario to develop, as well as the consequences for individuals and families throughout the world (Smith & Lourie, 2019). In general, it is feasible to state that the book, which is a demonstration of the author’s actual experiences, reveals the degree to which ordinary people are harmed and poisoned daily.
Analysis and Evaluation of the Book
Concerning the analysis section of the book, firstly, it is possible to underline the aspects of the work that are connected to the fields of social sciences, ecology, and economics, particularly macroeconomics. A growing concern on the part of clients to minimize regular exposure to harmful substances is reflected in several developments (Smith & Lourie, 2019). Eco-friendly goods and “green consumerism” are becoming more popular, and they are continuing to provide chances for innovative companies and business owners to adapt to shifting customer demands (Smith & Lourie, 2019). Moreover, according to the estimates, the health expenditures associated with chemical exposure and contamination might approach an extraordinary rate of 10% of the world’s GDP (Smith & Lourie, 2019). The Environmental Working Group discovered 232 hazardous substances in the umbilical cord blood and different samples of ten newborns in the scientific research that the authors evaluated, proving that children currently are being raised “pre-polluted” (Smith & Lourie, 2019). The authors were able to integrate and discuss the features of the issue of pollution in terms of socioeconomic variables as a notable part of the book and its elaborations.
Regardless of the aspect that the writers were able to discuss the negative consequences of chemical pollutants and their impact, limited to no examinations of other issues related to sanitation and pollution were described. The vividly named book Slow Death by Rubber Duck published over ten years ago detailed the possible chemical dangers of bath toys (Neu et al., 2018). On the other hand, despite visual and possible sanitary issues linked to this topic being highlighted in the work and media, there is insufficient scientific evidence regarding microbial colonization and hazards in these plastic toys (Neu et al., 2018). Bath toys present an intriguing connection between elastic plastics, water supply, microbial and nutritional pollution from the outside, and potentially sensitive ultimate consumers (Neu et al., 2018). In addition to adsorbing some organic compounds from drinkable water, artificial polymer composites can release significant amounts of biological carbon via diffusion and leakage (Neu et al., 2018). Hence, the authors could have conducted more in-depth research regarding bath chemicals and pollutants that cannot be omitted.
For each chemical under consideration, the authors illustrate how much input is required to raise plasma concentrations, how long it necessitates for it to leave the body, and any possible negative consequences on health. Exclusively the mercury element caused major, evident health issues during their testing periods. However, if the abovementioned issues provoke concerns, the other elements did not significantly influence the health conditions in the short run. Furthermore, hormone-disrupting substances can be a more significant problem than is generally acknowledged in the scientific community due to the adverse repercussions they have on reproduction, the central nervous system, and behavior (Ravindranathan & Traisnel, 2022). Thus, considering the scope of the impact of the main chemicals, the writers were capable of providing a detailed review.
Conclusion
To summarize, it is possible to assert that the work, which is a manifestation of the writers’ real experiences, illustrates the extent to which regular people are poisoned and damaged daily. In reality, a noteworthy aspect of the book and its elaborations was how the writers were able to combine and explore the aspects of the pollution problem in terms of socioeconomic determinants. In contrast, the scholars might have done a deeper investigation of contaminants and bath chemicals that cannot be avoided. The authors were able to provide a thorough analysis given the extent of the key compounds’ effects.
References
Neu, L., Bänziger, C., Proctor, C. R., Zhang, Y., Liu, W. T., & Hammes, F. (2018). Ugly ducklings – the dark side of plastic materials in contact with potable water. Biofilms and Microbiomes, 4(1), 1-11.
Ravindranathan, T., & Traisnel, A. (2022). In the doldrums: Plastic, haunting and the sea. SubStance, 51(1), 8-29.
Smith, R., & Lourie, B. (2019). Slow death by Rubber Duck: How the toxicity of everyday life affects our health. Knopf Canada.