Skip to main content

Use of Antibiotics

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE 101: HOW ANTIBIOTIC MISUSE ON FACTORY FARMS CAN MAKE YOU SICK

It was very intriguing to read about antibiotic resistance among animals. Antibiotic-resistant (AR) bacteria can spread from farm animals to humans through food and through contaminated waste entering the environment. The most commonly affected populations are  pregnant women, children, the elderly and people with certain health conditions because they are the ones with under-developed or compromised immune systems. However, AR bacteria has the potential to affect anyone. I agree with the article that there needs to be some type of political action that bans nontherapeutic uses of antibiotics in livestock. 

NEARBY LIVESTOCK MAY RAISE 'SUPERBUG' RISK

I don't live near a livestock however, I have family members who do. It was compelling to learn about livestock-associated MRSA and the impact that is has on individuals. MRSA is a staph bacteria that is hard to treat and has become resistant to common antibiotics. With that being said, more people, especially those who live near a livestock need to be aware of this in order to prevent getting the "superbug."

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER THAT ANTIMICROBIAL WIPES AND SOAPS MAY BE MAKING YOU (AND SOCIETY) SICK

I am the person that wipes down a shopping cart with an antimicrobial wipe before using it. This entire time I thought I was being sanitary and pre-cautious about germs. This article taught that by using antimicrobia wipes and soaps, I am exposing myself to triclosan. A group of scientists found that triclosan kills "weak" bacteria but favors the tolerant, among them species of bacteria that eat triclosan. I had to read this several times to understand this. So basically we think these products are protecting us from bacteria but they really aren't. Interesting! 

A REPORT ABOUT THE NEW PRACTICE OF INCORPORATING ANTIMICROBIALS INTO THE MANUFACTURE OF HOSPITAL FURNISHINGS

I think there needs to be more awareness in regard to antimicrobials. Hospitals believe this agent kills microorganisms or stops their growth which decreases the risk of infections however, the benefits, risks, tradeoffs, and costs associated with their use are largely unknown. The release of antimicrobials an result in unwanted exposures to humans, wildlife, and ecosystems with adverse and sometimes unanticipated consequences. Therefore, antimicrobials need further consideration and evaluation. This agent is not really reducing healthcare-associated infections, it's actually exposing individuals to chemicals in an environment (hospital) that is suppose to make individuals healthy again. 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Green Chemistry

I have never thought about chemistry in a sustainable way and it was really interesting to learn about this as it was a new concept for me. My favorite part was learning about the difference between green chemistry and cleaning up pollution. Green chemistry reduces pollution while cleaning up pollution includes cleaning up environmental spills (and other releases) and treating waste streams. I think green chemistry is great for human health by providing cleaner water, air, i ncreased safety for workers in the chemical industry, s afer consumer products, safer food, and less exposure to chemicals. Green chemistry reduces the risk of exposure to chemicals of concern to human health and the environment across life cycle. It helps r educe exposure across the globe and aims to have healthier communities, materials, products, people and planet.  The 12 principles really helped me better understand how green chemistry reduces risk and minimizes environmental footprint. They serve as ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Chemical Policy Reform

The background subject I chose to blog about is "Give the Public and Workers the Full Right-to-Know and Participate." I agree with this paper that we have every right to know about the chemicals we are exposed to. Policy makers and public health professionals need to come together and develop laws and practices that make it mandatory to inform workers and communities of toxic chemical sources and exposures. This paper does a great job at examining current limitations in disclosure policies. I like this papers approach, "Right to Know"basically saying that workers and the public shouldn't have to find out about exposures through government documents, it should be routine and systematic to report and let the public and workers know of any toxic chemicals or other environmental health hazards that we are being exposed to.
Post a Comment
Read more

Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) and water quality

What is the source of your drinking water? Where does your water ORIGINATE?  Water System Name: Morada Acres Water System  Type of Water Source: Groundwater wells What chemicals were found in your water that were higher than expected? Detection of Contaminants with a PRIMARY Drinking Water Standard: *There have been no contaminants detected in the water supply, however the source is still considered vulnerable to activities located near the drinking water source. See below: Gross Alpha Activity (pCi/L) 2010 2.90 1.76 – 5.11 15 N/A Erosion of natural deposits Uranium (pCi/L) 2010 4.92 – 20 N/A Erosion of natural deposits Radium 228 (pCi/L) 2006 0.11 0.10–0.12 5 N/A Erosion of natural deposits Arsenic (ppb) 2007 2 – 10 0.004 Erosion of natural deposits; run-off from orchards; glass and electronics production wastes Barium (ppb) 2008 130 – 1000 2 Oil drilling and metal refinery waste discharge; erosion of natural deposits Chromium (ppb) 2008 6 – 50 2.5 Disc...
Post a Comment
Read more