Recently I saw a sign in a health food shop window proclaiming, "Our Foods Contain No Chemicals."
Sadly, the owner of the shop and all of its patrons may be doomed to starvation if they believe the sign. There is nothing else to eat but chemicals. It is possible that the shop owner is capitalizing on concerns over some chemicals and obviously would profit from a one-paragraph lesson about chemicals and chemistry:
We live in a chemical universe. Every materials thing we know, including our bodies, is the result of the unique combination of some ninety naturally occurring chemical elements. Chemistry is the science of these elements, their composition, structure, properties, and interactions. Chemistry helps us to comprehend the working of the physical world.
I often have the impression that when many people admire a magnificent painting, thrill to travel aboard a sleek jet airplane, or marvel at the latest discoveries in medical research and space exploration, seldom do they consider how chemistry helps make these possible. Chemistry is involved in virtually everything we do, see, hear, or touch. Chemistry contributes to our food, clothing, homes, health, and energy supplies. Largely through applications of the chemical sciences, we have achieved a standard of living far beyond the dream of our ancestors. Chemistry is fundamental to the high development of our nation's technology and economic progress.
Once we realize that chemicals are everywhere and compose all matter, we can better understand and control their uses. Chemicals are powerful agents that we continue to shape and use in the service of humanity. Despite this, we often hear chemicals described as "toxic," "hazardous," and "cancerous." Sometimes the description is appropriate. But in the vast majority of cases, chemicals should be designated as "healthful," "nutritious," "economical," and "beneficial." We could make a virtually endless list of products we owe to the chemical sciences. Consider but a few we now take for granted: vitamins, cleanser, plastics, antibiotics, fertilizers, computer chips, solar cells, and videotapes. All these make our lives fuller, healthier, and even more enjoyable. Chemistry makes life easier and our world a nicer place.
Still, the world is filled with risks. It simply is not possible to attain a risk-free environment. Like anything else, chemicals can be abused and mishandled. Some can be dangerous because they are extremely poisonous. Others can explode violently. These are examples of acute chemical risks. Exposure to some chemicals over a long period increases chances of illness. So there are chronic risks, too.
The chemical industry generally has done a good job in recognizing acute risks and acting promptly to protect employees and the public. Chemical-plant safety records in the United States are among the best in all of industry.
Chronic risks were recognized more recently. Certain drugs may have no apparent harmful effects on those taking them but may be detrimental to their offspring and even to the progeny of their offspring. Asbestos, a mineral once widely used in fireproofing, has been acknowledged as a cause of cancer in some people who experience excessive exposure to its fibers. Some chemicals, such as
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