Slow Death Book Report

Introduction

Slow Death by Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger of Everyday Things by Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie gave important information on how common products and items we use daily, are toxic and dangerous for our health and the environment. Smith and Lourie are environmental advocates in Canada who were inspired through their work with Toxic Nation to test how coming into contact with items that are high in certain chemicals, can increase the levels of that chemical in bodies. An example that I found relatable was microwaving food in plastic containers increases your exposure to BPA and your risk for certain disease such as cancer. This book gives a mixture of historical background on each chemical mention in the book and what Smith or Lourie

These chemicals are phthalates, non-stick coating (perfluorochemicals), flame retardants, mercury, triclosan, pesticides, and bisphenol A (BPA). The Introduction gives an overall on how the toxic experiment for Smith and Lourie will go. The experiment will mimic how people interact with everyday items through various activities such as cooking or shopping. To measure the levels of pollution in their bodies, both authors had to go through a blood and urine test before and after exposure. The Conclusion basically summarizes the authors findings and what they learned through their experiment. The other seven chapters I don’t want to spoil but I will discuss more in the analysis portion of my

This strikes the question why we even have this chemical in the first place? From the website, Beyond Pesticides, Triclosan was first introduced in health care settings to sterilize hospitals in the 1970’s. With much success, it was added to soap, toothpaste, deodorant and other consumer products. Later studies have found that triclosan cause skin irritation, is an endocrine disruptor, and has a negative impact on the aquatic ecosystem (Triclosan,2010). Needless to say, this was concerning for me and after reading the Smith’s Urine result before and after being exposure to triclosan, I was in shock that something advertised as safe and good for your health was dangerous at even a low