Podcast Summary
Investigative Journalism, Health Hazards: Investigative journalism plays a crucial role in uncovering health hazards and holding companies accountable for transparency, as shown by Sharon Lerner's discovery of 3M's use of forever chemicals and their denial of the issue.
Paramount Plus is committed to highlighting Black Voices and stories, from influential figures like David O'Yellowo and Bob Marley, to investigative journalists like Sharon Lerner. In the case of Sharon Lerner, her investigative journalism uncovered the truth about 3M's use of forever chemicals, which have been in the environment and accumulating in people's bodies for decades. Despite her findings, 3M initially downplayed the issue and even asked her to test blood samples from the general public. When she found traces of the chemical in everyone's blood, she brought her results to her boss, but the company continued to deny the issue. This story underscores the importance of investigative journalism and the need for companies to be transparent about potential health hazards.
PFAS discovery resistance: The discovery of 'forever chemicals' in the environment, specifically PFOS, was initially met with skepticism and resistance, but their widespread presence and impact have since been confirmed in thousands of products.
The discovery of "forever chemicals" in the environment, specifically PFOS, was met with skepticism and disbelief by the scientist's superiors despite evidence suggesting their widespread presence. This scientist, an environmental lab researcher, was initially met with doubt and accusations of equipment malfunction when she reported finding PFOS in samples from the United States. However, her belief was solidified when she discovered a sample from rural China in the 1950s that did not contain the chemical. The origins of PFOS can be traced back to Scotchgard, a fabric and carpet coating, as well as food packaging and firefighting foam. These chemicals, known as PFAS, have since been found in thousands of products, including cars, cell phones, makeup, and more, according to a study by 3M. Despite their ubiquity, the discovery and subsequent confirmation of their presence in the environment was initially met with resistance, highlighting the importance of persistence and the potential challenges in addressing the presence and impact of such pervasive substances.
Investigative journalism: Investigative journalism requires persistence and pushing against powerful entities to uncover hidden information, essential for accountability
Investigative journalism requires persistence and a willingness to push against powerful entities to uncover important information that may be hidden from the public. The discussion revolved around a journalist's experience in reporting on a health issue related to a company that had known about the issue for decades but had not disclosed it. The journalist shared how they were initially drawn to the story through an article and were reminded of their earlier work on the topic. They acknowledged the frustration and depressing nature of the information but felt a responsibility to report on it. The journalist also reflected on the role of being pushy in their work as an investigative journalist and how it contrasts with their parenting style. They shared how they received different responses from the company when they first reported on the issue compared to someone on the inside. The takeaway is that investigative journalism can be a challenging and lengthy process, but it's essential to uncover the truth and hold those in power accountable.
Consumer choices and chemical exposure: Individuals can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals by avoiding non-stick pans, microwave popcorn, and single-use plastics, but companies and governments have a responsibility to ensure product safety and stronger regulations are needed.
Individual actions, such as avoiding non-stick pans, microwave popcorn, and single-use plastics, can help reduce exposure to harmful chemicals like PFOA. However, the onus is often on consumers to make these choices, despite the fact that companies and governments have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the products they produce and sell. The case of PFOA and its use in consumer products, such as Teflon, serves as a reminder of the importance of being informed consumers and advocating for stronger regulations. The delay in government action, as seen in the case of 3M and the EPA, highlights the need for increased transparency and accountability from corporations and regulatory bodies. Ultimately, it's crucial for individuals to take action in their daily lives while also pushing for systemic change.
PFAS financial consequences: Companies may face significant financial consequences for producing and disposing of PFAS chemicals, and local governments and utilities bear the cost of removing them from drinking water
The production and disposal of PFAS chemicals, like PFOS, which are no longer manufactured but still exist in drinking water, can lead to significant financial consequences for companies, as well as environmental and health concerns for communities. The recent EPA guidelines for PFAS in drinking water mark a step forward, but the cost of removing these chemicals from water supplies falls on local governments and utilities. The case of 3M's settlement for $12.5 billion highlights the immense financial burden and the potential for this issue to be considered environmental crime, as companies may have knowingly released harmful chemicals without proper regard for public health and safety.
PFAS in consumer products: New PFAS chemicals continue to be introduced, focusing on this could be a key area for change in reducing exposure to these toxic chemicals in everyday products
Our everyday consumer products, including furniture, contain toxic chemicals known as PFAS, which are linked to health issues and are even passed on to the next generation. These chemicals are still being introduced, making it a pressing issue that we can all take action on. While it may seem overwhelming, focusing on the fact that new PFAS are still being introduced could be a focused area for change. For more information, check out Sharon Lerner's article "You Make Me Sick" available online at The New Yorker and ProPublica. Additionally, tune in to John Stewart's new podcast, The Weekly Show, for more discussions on current events. And if you're feeling overwhelmed, consider seeking advice from a therapist, like Lori Gottlieb, who is a best-selling author and columnist for The Atlantic.
Election tensions: The upcoming election may worsen tensions among friends, families, and workplaces due to intense focus and polarization. Social media's role in unproductive conversations and lack of face-to-face interaction with opposing viewpoints may exacerbate anxiety and depression.
The upcoming event is expected to exacerbate existing arguments and tensions among friends, families, and workplaces due to the intense focus and polarization surrounding it. People's inability to have productive conversations about the issues at hand on social media is contributing to this, leading to increased anxiety and depression for some individuals. The siloing of the nation and lack of face-to-face interaction with opposing viewpoints may worsen the situation. It's important to be aware of this potential escalation and strive for open and respectful dialogue to prevent further division.
Social Media Anxiety: Social media can cause anxiety, but productive use can lead to positive change and meaningful conversations. Prioritize self-care and limit exposure to stressful information.
Social media, while providing an outlet for some, can also be a source of unnecessary frustration and existential fear due to its toxic nature and the rampant spread of uninformed and irrelevant information. However, it's essential to recognize that we have a choice in how we engage with these platforms. Anxiety, a natural human response, can be productive or unproductive. Productive anxiety motivates us to take action, while unproductive anxiety can paralyze us. Therefore, instead of letting social media consume us, we should strive to use it as a tool for positive change and engage in meaningful conversations that promote understanding and nuance. Additionally, it's crucial to prioritize self-care and limit our exposure to information that causes excessive anxiety or stress.
Political Anxiety Management: Recognize unproductive vs productive anxiety, engage in productive activities, and strengthen relationships to manage political anxiety and its impact on mental health.
Anxiety about political news and social media can be detrimental to mental health if not managed properly. It's essential to recognize the difference between unproductive anxiety, such as doom-scrolling and getting worked up, and productive anxiety, which motivates action. Engaging in productive activities like volunteering, voting, or campaigning can help transform anxiety into something positive. Moreover, relationships and family bonds can be negatively impacted by political discord if individuals refuse to take responsibility for their role in the conflict and focus solely on changing others.
Political conversations: Instead of getting defensive or attacking, express curiosity and explore reasons behind beliefs using 'I wonder' phrase to reduce emotional intensity and foster understanding in political conversations.
Effective communication, especially during politically charged conversations, requires curiosity and empathy. Instead of getting defensive or attacking each other, try using the phrase "I wonder" to express curiosity and explore the reasons behind each other's beliefs. This approach can help reduce the emotional intensity of the conversation and foster understanding. Additionally, it's important to remember that engaging in meaningful dialogue takes time and effort. It's not always easy, but it's worth it if it leads to a deeper connection and a more harmonious relationship. As the therapist in the discussion mentioned, it's essential to approach conversations with a non-judgmental and open-minded attitude. By focusing on understanding the other person's perspective, rather than trying to prove your own, you can build a stronger bond and bridge any political divides. So next time you find yourself in a heated political conversation, take a deep breath, and ask yourself, "I wonder why they believe that?" It might just lead to a surprising and enlightening exchange.