The fact that life on earth originated from a chemical reaction, explains the importance of chemicals in our life. We all are leading a carbon-based life which comprises of six essential elements – oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous, carbon, sulphur and hydrogen. Chemicals are both natural (produced by nature with no human intervention) and synthetic (human made).

Affects of chemical on our environment positively or negatively is quite debatable. It is often viewed that natural or organic chemicals are less harmful than man-made chemicals. Anything natural is healthier than synthetic one. But after going through research materials, I conclude that it is substantially a grey matter. Read further to know how it falls into this category.

I came across the term “Chemophobia” or “fear of chemicals”amongst chemists on social media. It refers to the growing tendency for the public to be suspicious and critical of the presence of any man-made (synthetic) chemicals in foods or products that they make use of.

Natural chemicals like DDT and dioxine can also be harmful if used uncontrollably. Natural chemical, botulinum is million times more toxic than all of the man made synthetic chemicals.  Human beings have not yet developed resistance to this natural chemical despite its presence since ages. Any chemical whether natural or human made can be harmful depending on the structure, biological properties and the way of its usage.

There is a growing uproar with regard to the presence of chemicals in basic everyday commodities right from fruits, vegetables, cosmetics and even baby foods. As far as my understanding goes, the toxicity of the chemicals involves much larger concentrations of chemicals than we are normally exposed to.

Just because a chemical is harmful or carcinogenic at very high doses, does not necessarily mean it will have any toxic effects at the doses we use it. Food regulation exists to prevent harmful levels of chemicals from being used in products.

Fruits and vegetables may have chemicals but its ratio is miniscule to harm  the environment and humans. There are many chemical compounds, found naturally in plants, that are harmful to humans in small amounts. On the contrary, there are many man-made compounds which are perfectly harmless unless ingested at very high doses.

Organic farming can still use naturally derived pesticides - in fact, they can even use some synthetic pesticides. As per the research both organic and synthetic food have same nutritional value and both have residues of synthetic pesticides. The difference is in the structure and amount of synthetic ingredient being used. That is why organic farming is considered safer than conventional farming.

Human life is very much dependent on Chemical energy as our vehicle, electricity, batteries, food production and many other day to day necessities are sourced from chemical energy but Chemicals are no doubt at the same time disadvantageous for our environment especially when it goes through combustion to produce power and useful energy. Its radioactive waste if not disposed of properly to a secure area it poses huge risk to the environment. Radiations leaked can remain in the environment for millions of years and can contaminate water and soil.

Credit – greengarageblog.org, compoundchemistry.com