Both articles on Antibiotic Resistance 101 How Antibiotic Misuse on Factory Farms Can Make You Sick and Nearby Livestock May Raise "Superbug," Risk, both provided clarification on an alarming topic. Reading these articles made me disgusted with the farming industry. I've heard things about the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria among humans but never realized that one of the main culprits was our food sources. These articles report that livestock is given antibiotics to prevent infection and promote faster growth, which in turn, accelerates the development of antibiotic-resistant (AR)
bacteria in humans. This is causing humans to contract illnesses that are very difficult to combat since they do not respond to antibiotics the way they should. It's scary to learn that the only thing you can somewhat control is by going plant-based and refraining from animal products. The article on Antibiotic Resistance 101, does however, recommend that you can buy organic, look for a label stating that the meat has been raised without antibiotics, or to buy directly from the farmer, which allows you to ask the farmer directly about his or her practices. It's upsetting because you cannot necessarily be certain that your meat is free from of antibiotics and that you can never be certain what your meat is exposed to. It's very upsetting that everyone's health is being put at risk for the benefit of the farming industry's pockets.
The article, Scientists Discover That Antimicrobial Wipes and Soaps May Be Making You (and Society Sick), provided some valuable information. I'm guilty of using antibacterial/antimicrobial wipes because of may of the same reasons that other people use them. I too, am naive and think that using antimicrobial products will somehow shield and protect me from the grime of the world. From sticky surfaces, blood from meat, or coming into contact with anything gross, I reach for a wipe. Otherwise, I'll use antimicrobial soap. At work, I'm exposed to triclosan-based soap and I'm required to "gel-in" before going into a patient exam room. What really surprised me about this story is the effects of these chemicals on society as a whole. I never even thought about the effects of triclosan going into the drains and being ingested or absorbed by fish, which can be passed on to us. Also, fish have had reproductive issues after being exposed to triclosan, making me wonder how triclosan affects human reproductive health. Tying into this article, the article about Antimicrobials into the Manufacture of Hospital Furnishings, raises similar concerns. While it seems that this type of furniture is good in a hospital setting since many sick individuals are seen in hospitals, it is unfortunately not beneficial because it is also contributing to antibiotic resistance.
Hi Christina,
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree it's scary to know that people are getting AR because of the farming industry who are using antibiotics for their livestock. I like your recommendation that people should buy organic food in order to refrain from meat treated by antibiotic. After reading the article, I also just realized that numerous antibacterial products contain triclosan. I didn't know that this chemical is affecting the environment. I wonder how the government are regulating manufacturers that are using triclosan in producing their products? People need to know the negative effects of triclosan in our environment and in our own health.
- Krissy
Hi Christina,
ReplyDeleteI think if we as consumers only buy organic food or meat from livestock not treated by antibiotic, the demand for nontherapeutic use of antimicrobial agents in animal agriculture will decrease and hopefully fade out. However, with the current market prices for organic food, i don't think every one will be able to afford it. If only there's a way to reduce the prices of organic food, people will prefer organic more over the others because they are essentially healthier for you.