Dec 3, 2004

Chemical Image Problem

Posted in Chemistry at 8:26 pm by David Bradley -- Click to comment

It’s not been a hot week for the image of the chemical industry. This week marked the 20th anniversary of the Bhopal tragedy. There were more revelations about problems with pharmaceuticals. Researchers reported that benzene is worse than we thought even at low levels. And, the industry is denying WHO claims that chemicals harm kids.

Couple that with further discussion about the future, or rather lack of, chemistry teaching at British universities and the supposed benefits of downsizing the number of chemistry departments and one begins to wonder whether there will be any chemical industry to speak of in five years time.

Chemophobia has been high on the agenda perhaps since even before Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. What is to be done about redressing the balance? Industrial visitors to Sciencebase may wish to get in touch with their ideas…

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