Life Changing Chemicals - Essay Example

Life Changing Chemicals The article being reviewed is about synthetic chemicals that exist in the world, and how they affect the normal biological functions in animals. The author is Susan McGrath, a well-known and frequent contributor in the Audubon, National Geographic, and Smithsonian magazines. She addresses the issue of endocrine distributors found in many of the products, and their impact on the ecological environment. The article is published in the Audubon magazine, and was published on March, 2010.

It is an article that is intended for the general public used to bring awareness about some of the things that affect their daily lives. It is easy to tell the intended audience. This is through the manner in which the author addresses the things that folks come into contact with every day. She claims the chemicals found in these everyday products are wreaking havoc on human lives, as well the animals in the world. However, the language the author uses may be a little difficult for some individuals keen on knowing about the article.

An example is when she uses terms such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) to identify some of the endocrine disruptors affecting humans. The general public may find it a daunting task to fully comprehend the meaning of such words. They may, therefore, tend to lose interest if they are consistent throughout the piece. General readers need a language they are familiar with, and one they can identify. However, her incorporation of humour in certain parts of the article makes it a pleasant read.

The article, though citing reviewed publications, may not be termed as formal. The beginning of the article relays a conversation she was having with a sales-person. It is an intriguing conversation as she makes the reader aware of what she is aiming to achieve. The tone of the article takes many forms. At one point, it may seem satirical when the author incorporates humour in her reasons not to purchase items from a sales-person (McGrath 1). In another point, she is keen on putting the government to task for not participating in the protection of its citizens.

She indicates that a lot of capital is spent on twisting the government’s arm by allowing products in the market, which may have adverse effects on humans. Capital is also spent on bogus research and studies to bring out the best in multinational corporations that manufacture these products so that individuals may believe them to be true. The writer’s main purpose for this article is to expose the truth about most of the things affecting the world through manufactured products. As a contributor to some of the leading magazines in the world, the writer’s information is credible.

This is through the incorporation of other research findings into her article (McGrath 3). The well-researched topics promote a culture of belief among readers, and may increase the likelihood of grabbing the reader’s attention. The title may have a lot to tell about the content of the article, “Pandora’s Own Water Bottle.” Almost every person knows about Pandora’s Box, and what it entails. It is something that has everyone curious, but it becomes dangerous once the contents are revealed.

This grabs the reader’s attention, making him/her want to know more about the content of the article. The main point made through the thesis is the connection many of the things people have with products they come across, and how they affect their normal body functions. These range from; water bottles, to raincoats, and soap and moisturizers. How the biological functions react to these chemicals is what the author tries to bring out. Her claim is supported by evidence in the form of research by scientists on marine life.

Details from individuals also prove her claims. Male trout were developing female characteristics, which came in the form of hormones only found in female fish. In her sources, there is a quote from sport fishermen who found fish they could not quite identify, “we’re catching some really bizarre fish,” as some of them said (McGrath 3).Some of the rhetorical appeals the author uses include logos and ethos. The use of logos allows her to use logical arguments to back her claims on the effects of synthetic chemicals.

Through ethos, the audience is shown a side of her that is likeable and respectable. This is for what she has done or is doing in the world, through her articles. The conclusion of the article is the call for action she makes out to the government, and all the concerned parties. It is time to forget about the capital invested in the economy through gigantic corporations at the expense of the common citizen (McGrath 6). It is helpful because it offers an individual insight into what people need to do to reduce the effects of harmful chemicals present through everyday activities.

In conclusion, the call for action is not just a wakeup call for the government (McGrath 6). It should be for the entire world. Proper and direct citations from scientists and researchers prove that information from the primary sources is credible. This information should be used in any research to carry on with the intended purpose of calling to action a vast number of individuals to assist in protecting the world. It is through this that the world can become a much safer place, as humans struggle to counter the effects of the synthetic chemicals that already exist.

The nature of the human race might be at risk if the state of affairs goes on like this (Colborn et al. 153). Works CitedBrennan, Teresa. Globalization and its Terrors: Daily Life in the West. New York: Free Press, 2003. Print.Colborn, T., Myers, J. Peterson, and Dumanoski, D. Our Stolen Future: Are We Threatening Our Fertility, Intelligence, and Survival?-A Scientific Detective Story. New York: Plume, 1997. Print.Johansen, E. Bruce. The Dirty Dozen: Toxic Chemicals and the Earth’s Future. London: Macmillan, 2003. Print.McGrath, Susan.

“Pandora’s Water Bottle.” Audubon Magazine 9 Mar. 2010: 32-39. Print.Schapiro, Mark. Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and what’s at Stake for American Power. New York: Chelsea Green Publishers, 2009. Print.