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EVENT 2

Sickly Green
My first impression when hearing Liza Grandia's presentation about the disturbing amounts of carpet in the United states was humorous. There is so much carpet in America! I couldnt believe it. But then my impression took a more serious and solemn turn when hearing about how many people suffer from neurotoxins in our carpet that cause diseases and ilness. We don't even realize how much is hidden in what may look like just a soft and decorative furnishing item. 
1.N.p., n.d. Web. <http://rigotile.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/10059465_l.jpg>
2.N.p., n.d. Web. <https://csw.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2017/03/grandia.jpg>.
3.N.p., n.d. Web. <https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57633829ff7c507e597e3cac/t/57633fedd1758e9827820a4c/1466122236270/Carpet-cleaning-II.jpg?format=2500w>.

It is ironic that carpet companies use babies on advertisements when reality those babies are inches from harsh nuerotoxins that cuase people to get sick with kidney cancer, hives, swollen lymph nodes, or Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma which is what Liza fell ill too. She had to recieve chemotherapy and now can't even enter buildings with carpet. 
Images from Chemical Entaglement's Event
Liza stated in her presentation that, "50% of floors in the US are carpeted" and "only 5% of carpet is recycled." These statistics to me is unbelievable. If we are going to use something that can be so dangerous and cause life threatening illness in our everday homes, office buildings we work in, and many other places then atleast it should be recyclable.  Not only is it harsh on our health it is also harsh on our enviormental health. Another ironic situation revealed by Liza's presentation was that the EPA itself was carpet bombed. The agnecy meant to protect the enviroment had a problem with neurotoxins in carpet fumes in their own office buildings causing harm to worker's health. 
Image from sign in at Chemical Entaglement's Event
A simple thing like carpet, which appears in most American's everyday lives can be so harmful to some people. This was an eyeopening experience and why I would recommend my fellow classmates to listen to Liza's presentation. It makes you think about what else could be in our daily lives causing health problems and enviromental issues that are being ignored. This is why we need people to create presentations with compelling images and art to spread these discoveries. 
Sources
1. Aapolloni. "Meet the Chemical Entanglements Speakers: Liza Grandia." Center for the Study of Women. N.p., 03 May 2017. Web. 05 May 2017. <https://csw.ucla.edu/2017/04/27/meet-chemical-entanglements-speakers-liza-grandia/>.
2. Liza Grandia's presentation at the Chemical Entaglements Event at UC Los Angeles

Comments

  1. UnknownMay 10, 2017 at 8:04 PM

    This sounded like an interesting event!!! I also find it unbelievable Liza's statement that "50% of floors in the US are carpeted" and "only 5% of carpet is recycled." It makes me wonder how carpets have not been deemed as dangerous to our health! For me, this is the first time I am hearing about the issue with carpets. I agree with your notion that carpets should at least be recyclable if they are going to be a part of our every day lives. I feel as a society, more and more people are making conscientious decisions to protect our environment and the world we live in, so it shouldn't stop at ensuring carpets are recyclable. I feel like big corporations sometimes care more about money rather than making sure their products are 100% safe and efficient. That seems to be the case for the carpet industry if only 5% of the 50% carpeted floors are recyclable.

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