Step 1: The object is rectangular approximately three by four inches. It is made of thin pink polka dotted material, smooth save for the the dull teethed edges of the package on both shorter sides. A small trip of adhesed material lays on top of the package where the wet wipes held in the internal compartment can be withdrawn. The wet wipes themselves are a stark white square of cloth damp as the name suggests. They are accompanied by a generic light floral scent.

Step 2: based on the soft material of the wipe and the words ‘face and hand’ on the front i can synthesis that this product is used to wipe soft areas of the body . The damp nature of the cloth saturated with solution leads one to believe that the object can be used to remove substances that are commonly found on the hands and face, dirt, food, sweat. The airy floral scent is gentle enough that i think the object can be used on a variety of skin types, ages and genders. It’s compact container infers its is made for the ability to travel around without taking up to much room suggesting that though it was found in my bathroom it could as easily have been found in a bag or car.

3.

4. Questions

are these chemical environmentally safe?

are there other uses besides personal grooming for this object?

can its anti-bactirial nature be harmful to its user with prolonged and repeated exposure?

5. http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/scientists-discover-that-antimicrobial-wipes-and-soaps-may-be-making-you-and-society-sick/

This piece examines the nature and abundances of anti-bactirial products such as face and hand cleaners. Talking about the possiblitity of the products being responsibly for the abismal state of the collective human immune systems.

Opstrup, M. S., Johansen, J. D., Bossi, R., Lundov, M. D., & Garvey, L. H. (2015). Chlorhexidine in cosmetic products – a market survey. Contact Dermatitis (01051873), 72(1), 55-58. doi:10.1111/cod.12298

the article describes the potential harm of chlorhexidina, a chemical often found in cosmetic products. The article specifically looks at how the chemical can cause irritations and different levels of allergic reactions do to exposure.

Step 1, Description: The object is about 7 to 8 inches in length and roughly half an inch in width. It is primarily light blue in color and made from a hard, plastic-like material. It has a white, rubber-like material that covers the entirety of the back spine of the object and partially wraps around the front. The white material is covered in raised ridges, while the blue material is smooth and hard. The end of the object consists of a variety of dark blue, light blue, white, and green bristles. Each color of bristle varies in length, but all are stiff to the touch. There are 8 white, bendable objects that surround the bristles and appear to be made from the same rubber-like material that covers the object. The bristles are damp and are slightly frayed on the ends. They also have a fresh, minty smell to them. Overall, the object is contoured and fits nicely in my hand.

Step 2, Induction: Based on how well the non-bristled side of the object fits in my hand, I would assume that it is intended to be some sort of handle. The ridged, white material makes for a comfortable grip and prevents the object from slipping out of my hand. The frayed ends of the bristles indicate that the object has been used for some sort of scrubbing, or brushing perhaps. Due to the minty, clean smell of the bristles, one can infer that there had been a type of cleaning substance applied to them. The dampness indicates that the cleaning substance had then been rinsed off with water.

Step 3, Speculation: I would guess that this object is a tool used for cleaning. The stiff bristles would be very effective at removing dirt or debris from soiled surfaces, while the sleek, thin design would make it possible to get the tool into tight spaces. Since the object was found in a bathroom and kept in a container that prevents the bristles from touching surrounding objects, I can speculate that it is used for some sort of personal hygiene. It appears to be a relatively safe and easy tool for people of any age or gender to use.

Questions:

How many different uses are there for this object?

How long does this object last and how often must it be replaced?

Is this object a necessity, or a luxury?

Bibliography

Fee, Elizabeth, and Theodore M. Brown. “Popularizing the Toothbrush.” American Journal Of Public Health 94, no. 5 (May 2004): 721. Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed January 23, 2016).

This peer-reviewed article discusses the history of the toothbrush in 19th century Europe and America. The article explains the growing problem of tooth decay in school children during this time due to the increasing availability of refined flour and sugar, as well as industrially processed foods. Due to this problem, the majority of American cities had free or reduced-fee health clinics that provided oral health services by the 1920s.

“Learn More About Toothbrushes.” Learn More About Toothbrushes. Accessed January 23, 2016. http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/product-category-information/toothbrushes.

This article, found on the American Dental Association website, briefly describes the history of the toothbrush and then details the reasons for its use and tips on proper oral hygiene. The article also discusses the importance of flossing and compares different types of toothbrushes (i.e. manual vs. automatic). The author clearly believes that tooth brushing is an important daily activity.