Lead-Contaminated Drinking Water Summary

The article Fetal Death and Reduced Birth Rates Associated with Exposure to Lead-Contaminated Drinking Water by Marc Edwards discusses some incidents regarding lead exposure, along with the correlation between this complication and fetal death, as well as miscarriages. At first glance the observation and claims being shown seem constructed with specific diction concerning a science, more precisely, ecological science. Throughout Edwards’s article, the claims presented are accompanied with the use of charts and notation. When viewing this notion of lexicon, it is suggested that the intended audience should possess knowledge and be familiar with certain vocabulary, as stated in the first sentence, “in children at thresholds >5 μg/dL and also >10 μg/dL” (739). We assume this as Edwards does not further elaborate on his charts and notations, leaving a portion of audience unsure of the truth and meaning behind these claims. However, the claims being presented do not completely mystify readers, as the topic itself may attract audiences such as: women during …show more content…
The importance of explaining each fact and or experiment becomes crucial as Bazerman states, “As experiments gain an argumentative function, the reports explain more fully how the experiment was done and why the particular methods were chosen” (68). Discussions of limitations, strengths, changes, and errors enhances Edwards’s credibility as it displays his understanding of the effect on how including everything has to the audience. The results collected were presented through tables and graphs of facts received from previous text in a coherent manner to suit the anticipated audience. Edwards approach to organize his experiment with active facts revolves around the simple passive fact of how, “Overall results are consistent with prior research linking increased lead exposure to higher incidence of miscarriages and fetal death”