This Is Public Health Book Club discussion
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Discussion Questions (Chapters 11 -18)
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1. Dr. Hanna-Attisha uses Kettering’s legacy to illustrate how industrial progress and scientific innovation can come at the expense of human health when ethics are ignored. Although Kettering was praised for his contributions to the automotive industry and cancer research, he also played a key role in promoting the use of leaded gasoline, a major public health hazard. By spotlighting Kettering’s role, the author exposes how corporate interests often override public safety, a theme that connects directly to the environmental risk exposures seen in modern-day Flint.
2. The larger data set Mona receives after IRB approval clearly shows a connection between the change in water supply and a rise in lead levels in children, confirming what she suspected all along. But instead of feeling relief, Mona feels a deeper sense of urgency, knowing that many children’s health is at risk every day the issue goes unaddressed. The chapter shows that even strong data isn’t always enough on its own to create change. It also takes determination, community support, and the courage to speak up when others won’t.
3. Mona’s struggle with aeb, a cultural idea tied to shame and family reputation, shows how deeply personal this moment is for her. Even though she finds aeb limiting and stressful, she also sees it as a reminder that her actions reflect on her family and her upbringing. This pressure makes her anxious, but it also gives her strength and purpose. As she prepares for the press conference, she’s driven by the fear of letting down those who raised her, but also inspired by their example. Her memories of her family’s courage and values push her to speak out, even when it’s hard. In this way, aeb becomes not just a source of fear, but also a powerful reminder of why she must act.
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1. What personal challenges did Mona face during the Flint Crisis as she fought for accountability?
2. How did Mona strengthen her scientific findings to counter institutional denials?
3. How did Mona’s approach to advocacy evolve as the crisis unfolded?
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We hope you have enjoyed reading each chapter of "What The Eyes Don't See".
Below are some responses to questions for chapters 19 - 26.
1. What personal challenges did Mona face during the Flint Crisis as she fought for accountability?
Chapter 19 shows how Mona felt fear as she spoke at the press conference. There was a sense of vulnerability, since her findings had been made public and could arouse new enemies. The fact that Flint children continued to drink the water and were still fed with formula mixed with the contaminated water was agonizing. Dr. Attisha’s credibility and character were attacked. Chapter 20 reports Brad Wurfel’s attack on Mona’s conclusions, indicating they weren't just irresponsible but unfortunate. In addition, Mona’s family time was affected. Her involvement during the crisis hindered her from spending quality time with her girls, although she had the support of her understanding husband.
2. How did Mona strengthen her scientific findings to counter institutional denials?
Mona and Jenny collaborated with Rick Sadler to use geographic information systems (GIS) to geomap the neighborhoods of the kids with elevated lead, having received institutional approval, and clearly define the neighborhoods in the city where the water was piped in. This showed the localized nature of the problem and a geographic link between neighborhoods served by Flint River water and elevated lead levels. This further strengthens the case that drinking water was the lead source and shows the credibility of the study findings. Subsequently, with evidence from the geospatial analysis and help from their research team and academics, Mona and Jenny published a peer-reviewed paper in the American Journal of Public Health, which made their findings accessible to the public.
3. How did Mona’s approach to advocacy evolve as the crisis unfolded?
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha moved from behind-the-scenes reporting to holding a press conference, knowing that publicity was necessary for the crisis to be taken seriously. Chapter 24 reports how Mona and others urged Flint’s new mayor to declare a citywide state of emergency, which later attracted more institutional commitment to the national level and distribution of safer water and filters. Mona's advocacy transformed into a vision for long-term change and interventions addressing education, nutrition, housing, and inequality. She understood that true advocacy must go beyond reacting to a crisis to preventing future ones.
Here are some questions to ponder for chapters 11 to 18.
1. How did Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha use the legacy of Charles “Boss” Kettering to highlight the conflict between scientific innovation and public health?
2. How did the data Mona received after the institutional review board's (IRB) approval strengthen both the scientific case and the moral urgency of addressing the Flint water crisis?
3. How did Mona’s struggle with the idea of aeb (Arabic for shame) reveal her emotional and cultural motivations as she prepared for the press conference?