The following article appeared in a recent issue of the New York Times: http://nyti.ms/15E6lsu. Read the article and for one (1) bonus point, tell us what you think. You are encouraged to respond to the comments of your peers, too. If you response is worthwhile, you will receive an additional bonus point.
The deadline to comment for bonus points is Friday, January 30th at noon.
The deadline to comment for bonus points is Friday, January 30th at noon.
I thought this article was very interesting and eye opening. We as humans rarely dissect the products we are using to find out exactly what is in them. I am very health conscious and constantly check the ingredients in my food and after reading this article I think I should take it a little farther than just the food I am eating. The most interesting and catching thing I came across in this article was the fact that MI which was named "allergen of the year" in 2013 is in things that I use very often like Johnson & Johnson sunscreen and Dove products. Michelle Kirn is a smart woman for tracing down the cause of her eczema condition and I think this is a great message for us all to know what we are eating and using on our bodies!
ReplyDeleteFor me, the ebola article definitely gave me hope that the epidemic can finally be combatted. It is awesome that our research is showing results. That being said, it is rather infuriating thinking that it took so long to reproduce the experimental drug ZMapp. There have been less viable government initiatives that gained precedence over this drug. Lives that could have been saved passed in the mean time. However, it is relieving that it is finally being clinically tested and exemplifies the importance of research in science.
ReplyDeleteThis article was very interesting to read. It makes me realize how lucky I am that I don't have to worry about using specific products in my daily like. I learned that methylisothiazolinone also known as MI is an ingredient added to deter the growth of bacteria. However, if someone is allergic to it then it can cause rashes and skin irritations. It was interesting to hear about some of the products that contained this ingredient, such as, Johnson & Johnson (now removing it from their lotion and wipes), Dove shampoo, and Neutrogena sunscreens, and many more. I agree with a comment made by Dr. Brod, he said that lack of awareness among both patients and doctors is the problem and its making it worse. It is interesting to think about how differently our bodies can react to the chemicals we put them in contact with. It makes me wonder if I will ever come across a product/ingredient that causes me to have an allergic reaction (anything is possible I guess).
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this article I was never really aware of the chemicals and preservatives that were in sunscreens, makeup, and other lotions. Major companies such as Johnson and Johnson, Dove, and St. Ives have included MI in their products, an ingredient to deter the growth of bacteria. This ingredient has made Michelle Kirn allergic to some of their products. I am very thankful in that I am not currently allergic to anything. Reading this article, however, has made me more aware of the chemicals that major companies can put in their products. Even though the levels of MI are within the guidelines recommended by agencies, the trace amounts can cause severe allergic reactions. I understand that the companies are looking for alternatives and can't just replace an ingredient with another ingredient, but it would be nice if they drifted towards more "natural" ingredients, just so that consumers don't have to worry so much about what they are putting on or in their body. I agree with Ashley Seybert, in that I wonder if sometime in the future I come across a product or ingredient that causes me to break out suddenly. It's a bit scary..
ReplyDeleteThe article was very interesting. I found crazy how such big companies use,what have been proven, harmful chemicals in everyday products. The "allergen of the year" of 2013, MI is used in all kinds of products and has been proven to be harmful. According to the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety in Europe says that mI should only be used in small quantities. uS companies should consider that and use MI in small quanties so they don't harm there consumers. I found this article extremely eye opening in that you should look to see what products your using before you put it on your body or worse in your mouth because they can be harmful.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this article because it pointed out to people that there are harmful substances in things that we use everyday that some people may not have been aware of before. I think it should be people options to know what substances they are using on their body as well as could be eating and whether or not to continue to use them products. Even though MI is used in small quantities people still should consider the long term consequences that i'm sure could be caused by repeated use of the product over a long period of time. I however also feel that in this day pretty much everything is hazard to your health so me and my family decide which product or foods we like and decide whether or not it is worth the risk to continue use of these products even if they could be harmful .
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