Research Log #5

Citation:

I created a survey of 15 questions and gave it to 15 girls and 5 boys in Chico.

Summary:

I created a survey that showed how oblivious people are to the corruption in the cosmetology industry. The survey was given to 15 girls and 5 boys. The results showed that the boys knew even less than the girls did about toxicity in cosmetics. A lot of the boys did not realize that cosmetics also referred to deodorant, shampoo, shaving cream, cologne, sunscreen and toothpaste, not just make-up. The girls showed only a little bit of knowledge about fragrances and other chemicals, but they were completely oblivious to how toxic these chemicals are. Both groups did not know that these products cause cancer, birth defects, allergies, and organ toxicity. Most did not even know that the products have no regulation and that most of the ingredients are not listed on the label. 15 people did not know that there were ingredients listed on the label of these products. 

Also, every single person listed that they use at least 10 products daily.

Response:

I was surprised by how unaware most people are to the toxicity in their daily products. Most people recognized the name of the most common chemicals used, but nobody could tell me what they are or what they are used for. Everyone surveyed was surprised by what these chemicals do and the reactions our bodies have to them. Also, only one person knew that these companies were not required to regulate their products and the other people who were surveyed thought that these companies were regulated. This shows that most people are completely in the dark about this issue because it is only common sense that these companies should be controlled. I expected the boys to be more unaware of the problem than the girls because girls use and care a lot more about these products. After speaking to these individuals, all of them showed interest in changing what they use. I believe that if everyone was educated on this issue, that most people would throw away their current toxic products and buy the ones that are safe.

Next Steps:

The next step is to make more people aware of the chemicals to look out for, because then people will start to buy products that are better for their health. I know that most people will be concerned as soon as they hear that these chemicals can be fatal. If more individuals buy from the companies that are not corrupt, then the other companies will see that that is what the consumer wants, and eventually change their ways. Buying a product is basically a vote for the company to continue what they are doing. If more people take away their “votes” then the industry will change. The only thing these companies care about is their business, so they will change in order to be more successful. It all starts with the consumer and things will change once the industry sees what is in demand. How hard would it be to educate people about this? Could the industry change if more people stopped buying harmful products? Would the message get through to the company or is it too hard to change a worldwide industry?