Defeatist. Some problems take decades and decades or hundreds of years to solve, like slavery. All the more reason to speak up more.

I don't see how my statement is defeatist. I'm not saying not to try. I'm asking if people care. I am also saying that I fear it will be ignored. These can be valid statements while still striving to create that change. Really, if one is serious about making that change, then it would be wise to acknowledge the issues preventing them from reaching their goal.

Good question, but then it begs the question that shouldn't we be doing a better job of advocating against the use of these chemicals?

Exactly. Many people have never heard of these chemicals or don't care for a variety of reasons.

For example, my wife doesn't care if something might be harmful (and doesn't do any research to find out) if it's convenient. Nonstick cookware was standard at her house growing up. She complains about our current pans (stainless and cast iron). I try to explain to her about the risks and get her to watch a documentary about it. She won't watch documentaries because she finds them boring.

Her mother has the same general approach - doesn't investigate anything and favors convenience. Her stance is that the government wouldn't approve things if they were dangerous (specifically nonstick, fragrance chemicals, and fabric softeners). Even when the government does recommend an action, she isn't paying enough attention to know about it (the FDA recommends older, like 2013 or something, nonstick pans be thrown away).

I hope that people like this wake up to the warnings. Unfortunately, I think the convenience and government trust is really a mindset and lifestyle. After all, it is easier to believe that someone else is looking out for you so you don't even have to think about things for yourself.