This week in class we talked about how different chemicals that are found in nature could possibly be linked to different diseases that plague people in different countries. One disease that could be linked to chemicals and pesticides is cancer. There are different types of cancer around the world that we don't know how to avoid. Is that because they can't be avoided?
We did some research that proved that they might not be avoidable. Common chemicals that are around us in our every day lives have been linked to cancers like lung cancer, nasal cancer, skin cancer, or bladder cancer to name a few. Wood dust, something that people could be around every day, has been linked to nasal cancer. Chimney sweeps, or people that own chimneys, may have a higher risk of bladder cancer or lung cancer. These things are unavoidable. They are part of people's lives most likely every day. Something that I didn't know until this week was that there are more than 7,000 chemicals in secondhand tobacco smoke, and those are only the ones that have been identified! Every one on earth is exposed to secondhand smoke.
I'm concerned for myself and for future generations. Until we know how we can avoid everything on earth that can get us sick we'd probably be better off living in bubbles than walking around being exposed to every little harmful thing in the atmosphere.
I agree that we as a people should be extremely concerned. The fact that there are so many different, yet also very natural, causes of cancer is extremely alarming. We can only hope that our understanding of cancer continues to grow.
ReplyDeleteIt was alarming in class when Professor Santos asked us how many of you know someone who has or had cancer and everyone did. It is such a common thing, but that doesn't make it any less of a tragedy. On a side note people are extremely aware of this and millions are raised for funding every year. It is inspiring however people are so willing to help out and spread the word. I have a touching story I would love to share with the class on Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteGoing off of what you said, tobacco smoke alone has been linked to almost any type of cancer you can think of and that can be hard to avoid completely. I think since it is impossible for us to avoid all these harmful things we should just enjoy life and do what we can to help as much as we can.
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