We can divide chemicals into two:
1. Suitable Chemicals.
2. Unsuitable (Not suitable) Chemicals.
Suitable Chemicals for Use:
Some people believe that chemicals are generally harmful or hazardous to humans, not realizing that there are some chemicals that are suitable for human use.
- Medicine: The healthy life that many of us enjoy is due to the variety of medicine that is available, as a result of chemical research. We have pharmaceutical firms that produce drugs, made from chemicals, that we consume.
- Food: Fertilizers and insecticides have helped to increase food production greatly. Chemical processes are designed, especially to preserve and store food for long periods.
- Clothing: Man-made textiles/fibres, produced as a result of intensive chemical research, have made available a wide range of clothing materials, which can be bought cheaply.
- Housing: Many high-rise buildings are being constructed, to overcome the present need for housing, especially in cities. Such buildings need materials like cement, concrete, steel, bricks, and tiles which are produced by chemical industries.
Chemicals Not Suitable for Consumption:
Chemicals such as insecticides, pesticides, and others must be kept away because they can contaminate food, and make it poisonous to anybody. Also, chemicals used, for the preservation of food, must not be allowed to come in contact with food substances.
Some drugs like heroin, cocaine, and morphine are addictive. They are not used in medical treatment; however, unscrupulous people produce and sell them at a high profit.
Chemicals have side effects on the end-users; therefore, all chemicals must be used according to the producer’s specifications.
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