Chemistry and Our Enviroments #1
Basically, Everything consists of chemical substances. Man-made chemical substances and substances extracted from nature have contributed immensely to increased prosperity. However, some have also caused serious damage to human beings and the environment. Not all chemical substances are hazardous but they can still pose a risk if handled incorrectly.
Environmental chemistry is the scientific study of the chemical and biochemical phenomena that occur in natural places. It should not be confused with green chemistry, which seeks to reduce potential pollution at its source.
A chemical product is a chemical substance, such as acetone, or a mixture of chemical substances, such as petrol. Examples of chemical products in the home are dishwashing and cleaning detergents, glue, paint and lamp oil.
Materials that are manufactured from or with the aid of chemical products are replacing to an increasing degree the natural materials found in articles, such as wood, metal and leather. Such articles may also be treated with substances to make them fire-resistant or water-resistant or to give them other specific properties. Over the past fifty years, the chemicals production in the world has increased more than fifty times over and many of the products we use every day contain and emit chemicals.
The risks of chemicals to human and its environment
Environmental chemistry involves first understanding how the uncontaminated environment works, which chemicals in what concentrations are present naturally, and with what effects. Without this it would be impossible to accurately study the effects humans have on the environment through the release of chemicals.
#Some chemical substances do not degrade but accumulate in the bodies of human beings and animals. Some chemical substances are harmful in that they give rise to problems such as allergies. Researchers have found numerous substances in human blood samples and breast milk, some of which can interfere with the hormone system or nervous system.
#Children and young people are more sensitive to chemicals than are adults. This is partly because their bodies, including the brain, hormone system and immune system, are not fully developed. This may mean life-long consequences if damage occurs during childhood.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_chemistry
https://www.kemi.se/en/guidance-for/consumers/chemicals-in-the-everyday-environment
https://www.purdue.edu/discoverypark/environment/areas/chemical-exposures.php