PUBLIC SAFETY VS. PRIVATE
RIGHTS: BEAUTY AND THE
BUILDING
Ms. Disher’s sample TOK presentation
Spring 2011
Issues at Hand

Brazilian Keratin Treatment
 http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/26/earlysh
ow/health/main3414868.shtml

Asbestos
 http://www.mogulite.com/asbestos-mogul-on-daily-
show/
Two Sides to Every Story (BKT)
Regulate use of potentially harmful
chemicals in beauty industry



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)
Do not regulate use of potentially
harmful chemicals



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)
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)
Regulating Dangerous Substances
(construction related)



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
Free Market on Construction
Supplies



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
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”)?