Something I Read Recently Which I Found Intriguing

In order to persuade the public to support a particular viewpoint, environmental activists often exaggerate some risks and downplay others. By using true but misleading statements, practically any substance on earth can be made to sound like a menace to society. For example, consider the following true statements about the chemical dihydrogen monoxide(DHMO):

• DHMO is a powerful solvent that can corrode many metals.
• At high temperatures, DHMO decomposes into explosive gases that can be used as rocket fuels.
• Chronic exposure to solid DHMO can cause severe tissue damage and gangrene; exposure to the liquid form causes temporary changes in the skin. Contact with DHMO vapors can cause severe burns.
• Laboratory animals fed large amounts of DHMO exhibit nausea, vomiting, edema, and electrolyte disturbances; only a few grams injected intravenously can be fatal.
• DHMO is used in the manufacture of pesticides, plastics, and nuclear weapons; it is also used as a general-purpose solvent and coolant in the chemical industry. Many industries dump DHMO into the environment. It is often stored near populated areas.

Based on the above facts, would you think DHMO should be banned? Carefully regulated? Or not regulated at all? Actually, banning dihydrogen monoxide would be a grave mistake. Even though all of the above statements are true, human life would be impossible without DHMO--which most people call water.

Although no one seriously proposes to ban water, many current environmental debates--from chlorine bans to the elimination of pesticides--are based upon similar exaggerated fears. Although there are many legitimate concerns about pollution, keep in mind that not everything that sounds ominous is a threat to the environment.