Dangerous Chemical

Being the keen scientist that I am but also a bit of a hippy, I came across some info on this chemical that disturbs me slightly...

Dihydrogen Monoxide (liquid form)

Dihydrogen monoxide (DHMO) is colourless, odourless, tasteless, and kills thousands of people every year. Most of these deaths are caused by accidental inhalation of DHMO, but the dangers do not end there. Prolonged exposure to its solid form causes severe tissue damage. Symptoms of DHMO ingestion can include excessive sweating and urination, nausea, vomiting and body electrolyte imbalance. For those who have become dependent, DHMO withdrawal means certain death.

Dihydrogen monoxide:

• is the major component of acid rain
• contributes to the "greenhouse effect."
• can cause severe burns.
• contributes to the erosion of our natural landscape.
• accelerates corrosion and rusting of many metals.
• may cause electrical failures and decreased effectiveness of automobile brakes.
• has been found in excised tumors of terminal cancer patients.
  

Despite the danger, dihydrogen monoxide is often used:

• as an industrial solvent and coolant.
• in nuclear power plants.
• in the production of styrofoam.
• as a fire retardant.
• in many forms of cruel animal research.
• in the distribution of pesticides (even after washing, produce remains contaminated by this chemical).
• as an additive in certain "junk-foods" and other food products.

Companies dump waste DHMO into rivers and the ocean, and nothing can be done to stop them because this practice is still legal. The impact on wildlife is extreme...

The government has refused to ban the production, distribution, or use of this damaging chemical due to its "importance to the economic health of this nation." [America-who else?] Apparantly, the navy and other military organizations are conducting experiments with DHMO, and designing multi-billion dollar devices to control and utilise it during warfare situations. Hundreds of military research facilities receive huge amounts of it through a highly sophisticated underground distribution network. Many store large quantities for later use.

Storage Tank for Dihydrogen Monoxide

Geeez! I think its ridiculous that DHMO is not illegal yet, there are so many dangers... What does everyone else think??


Find out more about this dangerous chemical.