Blog 1 - - - Section 32

Selection 32 – Our Stolen Future

The “Our Stolen Future” article is based around proving the link between synthetic chemicals being introduced into the environment, and there effects on the hormonal imbalance in animals and humans. The effects that are seen in animals, from the use of chemicals in the environment, should be looked closer upon, like a warning. The possible danger to humans so far, has been ignoring, in light of the less understood problem of cancer. The article examines the similarity between smaller mammals and humans, explaining that the hormone estrogen is basically identical in the species. Synthetic chemicals in the environment have show high levels of absorption in fatty tissue of animals. Problems are focused around the reproduction processes, because of the modification and dysfunction of estrogen from the chemical influence.
Many skeptics do not take seriously, when testing is done on animals to show what could happen to humans. Saying the test doses are unrealistically high, and animals do not react in the same way. Study done by Vom Saal, have shown that the unnatural synthetics, can actually cause more damage with a smaller dose, rather than a large one. Disproving the skeptics, by showing larger doses will result in underestimated numbers, rather than enlarging then. This observation has put the regular toxicology data right out the window, going against what was thought to be true, larger doses, worse results, but not in this case.
Animals can also be used as a window, to look at the future for humans. Smaller animals have smaller intergenerational gaps, than humans. The effects of a chemical being passed down and concentrated, through the generations, can be viewed in a short time relative to the human cycle. Research done on animals to observe effects, is very valuable. The Synthetic chemical is hard to observe/track, making it only clear when abnormalities present themselves, finding the slight patterns will be a keep focus, in prevents further contamination.
The hormonal disruption process is fully understood by scientist, and in result, has formed the “Wingspread Statement”. Scientists warn that humans are at risk, and certain chemicals must be controlled, to prevent further contact with the environment and humans. Human problems have already been observed, with dysfunctions, like in animals, with reproductive organs and functions. Although these cases are rare, fears are rising, that more serious complications are in the near future for many more people in contact with these chemicals.
Overall, science has realized the importance of the relationship between humans and animals, in providing an early warning system of possible contaminations and problems in the environment. The main problem still remains, is to convince people to take the warning seriously now, to avoid a large disaster later.

This article, I though gave a good insight and prove how unaware the general public is of this topic. I found myself agree with the skeptics at the start of the article, but then started to questions my beliefs. Although the article had enough depth to inform the reader, some points could have been expanded a bit more with examples. The impact of the topic has done its job, I am much more interested in this topic, and the conclusion leaves the reader wanting to expand their knowledge on the topic, and indirectly informing the public this way.


Reference

Easton T. (2009) Environmental Studies, Sections 32. New York: McGraw-Hill