PUBLIC SAFETY VS. PRIVATE RIGHTS: BEAUTY AND THE BUILDING Ms. Disher’s sample TOK presentation Spring 2011

Issues at Hand  Brazilian Keratin Treatment  ow/health/main shtml ow/health/main shtml  Asbestos  show/ show/

Two Sides to Every Story (BKT)  Customers may not fully understand risks of treatment  A person at any age can get the treatment, so maturity is a factor  Fumes from the treatment can harm others (person performing treatment, other customers/professionals in the salon)  Does not guarantee health problems, merely increases likelihood  People who opt for the treatment should make themselves aware of the risks—personal responsibility (ignorance=not govt’s problem)  Regulation—we don’t strictly regulate chemicals in other products (hair dye, nail polish) Regulate use of potentially harmful chemicals in beauty industry Do not regulate use of potentially harmful chemicals

Knowledge Issues (BKT)  How far can/should government agencies go to protect the individual?  Where do we draw the line between a private decision (hairstyle) and public safety (fumes)?  Does the government know what’s best for an individual?  Moral/ethical responsibility to care for citizens?  Where do public/private boundaries lie?

Two Sides to Every Story (Asbestos)  Exploitation of the poor (richer countries regulate asbestos, third world countries generally don’t)—limited finances=no other choice  Health risks outside the company selling and the buyer (shipping, packing, unpacking=exposure)  Known health problems=higher risk  Allows for freedom of choice in supplies (individuals know what is best for them)  Lower cost=more homes/buildings  Company’s profit benefits employees and shareholders Regulating Dangerous Substances (construction related) Free Market on Construction Supplies

Knowledge Issues (Asbestos)  Should American regulations apply in other countries if human life is at risk?  Should America intervene in the private practice of selling asbestos as a “safe” material?  Is it ethical for a company to sell harmful substances, knowing what the health risks are?  How far do individual rights extend when others’ health is concerned? (ex. CEO, shareholders/board of directors, company employees, contractors purchasing materials)  Do we have a moral obligation to intervene for people who may be at risk (or “don’t know better”)?