Death By Rubber Duck

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"Slow Death by Rubber Duck" details a mutual experience of toxic exposure concerning two authors, Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie. However, this book aims to reach out beyond the scope of personal experience and drastically alter the way everyday people look at toxins. Each generation of Americans has had something that was killing them, such as: DDT, morphine, and lead. Consumers and regulatory agencies dissolved these products from the market after their detrimental effects became evidentiary. The difference of this decade's pollutants and toxins lies in their visibility. According to Smith and Lourie, pollution has changed from a "local, highly visible and acute phenomenon to a global, largely invisible, and chronic threat" (page 4). These …show more content…
Their proposed solutions involve government intervention and regulations for the promotion of toxin-free homes. Despite the authors raising compelling points, such as the overuse of "snake-oil" antibacterial and flame retardant products, I found myself underwhelmed with the overall message of this book; that message being, the overuse and consumption of seven invisible chemicals is having a prevalent and destructive effect on our daily lives that needs to be mediated by personal and governmental control. Consequently, I do not see a significant change in the use of these products in my immediate future. My indifference to invisible toxins may stem from the direct relationship I experience with more harmful chemicals on a daily basis. In this paper, I will detail a summary of "Slow Death by Rubber Duck" containing what I consider to be the books best arguments, including the antibacterial-induced creation of super-bugs. Additionally, I will discuss the prevalence of chemicals in my routine and how that may undermine the overall message of the …show more content…
Too much exposure can lead to permanent brain damage, kidney failure, tremors, and heart disease. In fact, mercury poisoning in hat makers is responsible for the old coinage, "mad hatter" (page 143). Bruce Lourie ate nothing but tuna to test his levels; at the end of three days he had over eight times the North American average. Despite its prevalence in fish and fluorescent lights, scientists conclude that no amount of mercury should be considered safe (page 132).Triclosan has effectively taken over every corner of the American household; present in our floorings, toys, and toothbrushes, this anti-bacterial wonder has become a modern day version of snake oil. Like flame retardants, anti-bacteria companies rely on fear to uselessly pump their product into consumer's hands. While only marginally more effective than soap and water, this chemical is leading to evolutionary bacterial resistance (page 165). If these bacterial strains take a foothold, many of our current prescription antibiotics, such as penicillin, may be rendered inadequate. Pesticides, such as 2,4-D are correlated with an onslaught of health concerns such as ADHD and neurological impairment. Companies dodge the issue by scapegoating blame and fogging the scientific field with doubt (page 214). Similarly, BPA conglomerates have used a similar method to ensure their product stays on the market. BPA is correlated with health issues such as breast
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