Pollution Atomizers
2022 - In Progress
Medical atomizers were used from 1890 through the 1950s as a way to disperse “aqueous solutions” - namely ‘medicines’ and anesthetics like cocaine dissolved in an oil base - into a patient’s nasal and throat passageways. This piece highlights a few of the most prevalent chemical pollutants that we commonly spray and/or ingest as aerosols, often without choosing to. Each liquid compound is presented within an atomizer, ready for use - an invitation for consumption. This proposition is absurd and dangerous at face value, yet most of us are exposed to these chemicals, among others, on a regular basis through our food, homes, and vehicles.
This project is a work-in-progress - in the weeks ahead, I will design satiric informational plaques for presentation alongside each atomizer, expounding on each compound’s viability as a health aid. I’d like to expand this research and consider swapping out these substances with others, including mercury and heating oil.
2 x 2 x 6” each
vintage medical atomizers, roundup, formalin, diesel fuel
Glysophate (in Roundup)
The active ingredient in herbicide Roundup, produced by Monsanto - it is the most extensively used pesticide globally and historically. To date, the amount used could douse over a half pound of Roundup on every cultivated acre of land in the world.It is widely considered to be carcinogenic, and has been shown to be an endocrine disruptor. Although direct airborne exposure is mostly a risk for applicators, Glysophate does not degrade quickly in plants, meaning residue can occur in food products. For example, studies have detected glyphosate residues on 90 percent of U.S. soybean crops. In recent years, the EPA has significantly relaxed its standards on what is considered a safe level of glysophate - fifty times more is allowed on corn grain now than in 1996. Monsanto is adamant that Glyosphate poses no risk to humans or the environment.
Formaldehyde (in Formalin)
Formaldehyde, present here at 33% in a formalin solution used for embalming, is a common chemical found in construction materials, plastics, resins, preservatives, fertilizer, and pesticides, and as a byproduct of combustion, including emissions from fuel-burning appliances like gas stoves, and cigarette smoke. As a volatile organic compound (VOC), exposure mainly comes from breathing air containing off-gassed formaldehyde. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, nose and throat, skin rashes, shortness of breath, wheezing, and changes in lung function. With routine high exposure, formaldehyde has been shown to be linked to certain types of nose and throat cancers.
Particular Matter (PM2.5) via Combustion (in Diesel Fuel)
Particular Matter is a mixture of airborne particles composed of tiny droplets of liquids and solids - generally measured at 2.5 or 10 micrometers or less. Both short and long-term exposures to PM2.5 can have harmful health impacts, including worsened asthma, heart attacks, strokes, and early death. Diesel fuel is a particular cause of PM2.5, due to it’s widespread use and higher fossil fuel density - according to research, it emits 15x more pollution than gasoline. Exposure is linked to infrastructure and locality - places with more highways and more traffic congestion have higher diesel emissions and PM2.5 pollution. Many of these locations are in industrial and urban areas, disproportionately impacting historically marginalized communities.
