Harmful Chemical Ban

[PPI Jason]

An interesting poll was conducted in 1997.

Individuals were asked if they would support a complete ban, or at least strict restrictions, on the chemical dihydrogen monoxide. Some of the chemical's particularly nasty aspects included the following:

1. It is a major compenent in acid rain.
2. It eventually dissolves almost anything it comes in contact with.
3. It can kill if accidentally inhaled
4. It can cause severe burns in its gaseous state
5. It has been found in tumors of terminal cancer patients.

86% of the people voted for a total ban on this chemcal. 12% were undecided.

How would you vote?

[Brian Johnson]

Good Lord, :o what would someone need that chemical for, world destruction?

[PPI Brian]

No, I wouldn't support a ban on this extremely corrosive chemical. It's too important to our economy, in spite of the overwhelming dangers you listed. It's used in the production of almost everything we buy. I believe such chemicals can be handled safely.

Thought I would add the following to your list: Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO) is a colorless and odorless chemical compound, also referred to by some as Dihydrogen Oxide, Hydrogen Hydroxide, Hydronium Hydroxide, or simply Hydric acid. Its basis is the highly reactive hydroxyl radical, a species shown to mutate DNA, denature proteins, disrupt cell membranes, and chemically alter critical neurotransmitters. The atomic components of DHMO are found in a number of caustic, explosive and poisonous compounds such as Sulfuric Acid, Nitroglycerine and Ethyl Alcohol.

You can learn more about this chemical from the dihydrogen monoxide research organization. Check out their webpage for more information: http://www.dhmo.org/ and be sure to read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for this chemical.

[PPI Tracy]

God, that's worse than Iocaine Powder.  I'd bet my life on it....

[Brigham]

I accidentally drank a beaker full of DHMO once. It was a harrowing experience, but it certainly wasn't as bad as when I accidentally drank a beaker full of Diet Coke. Now that's a vile, caustic substances I would support a ban on.

[PPI Tim]

That crap sounds more like a weapon of mass destruction then a mere harmful Chemical. Have there been any accidents involving this DHMO in the last few years.

[Brigham]

A few instances have been documented.