The incredible use of dangerous chemicals in the past

Química Nova

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil¹  Afonso, Júlio Carlos¹  Pimentel, Luiz Cláudio Ferreira¹  Freire, Layla Alvim Alves¹  Chaves, Camille Rodrigues¹ 

关键词: dangerous chemicals;    safety;    commercial chemistry.;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S0100-40422006000500040

学科分类：化学（综合）

来源: Sociedade Brasileira de Quimica

【 摘 要 】

This work describes an overview of the use of chemicals in several commercial applications along the XXth century. The use of chemicals by men was largely empirical for many centuries, since there was no organized chemical and toxicological knowledge. During the XIXth century the chemical industry gained a crucial role in the development of technology, as evidenced by the extraordinary increase of new products and their incorporation into everyday life. Chemistry was considered a science capable of solving any problem, little regard being paid to the consequences of the widespread use of new chemicals. Efficiency was more important than safety and consumer information. From tragedies and the development of knowledge on toxicology men adopted more careful protocols before a new chemical was proposed for use. Modern life could not exist without the large-scale employment of a variety of chemicals but information on their responsible and conscious use is now essential. Products that were once considered the "last word in technology" have eventually proven dangerous to humans and the environment in the short or long time range. Previous knowledge on the toxicological dangers and the properties of a given substance or product before commercialization is necessary for safe handling.

【 授权许可】

Unknown