Stop – chemophobia

Abstract

Chemophobia – the fear of chemistry – is caused by both rational and emotional concepts. Here only the fear which can be explained by reason is considered, namely the evil uses of chemicals as deliberate poisons and the disasters caused by unwanted chemical explosions. The psychology of chemophobia, as well as the love of the ‘natural’ and the dislike of the ‘man made’ chemical materials, is explored with reference to Hoffmann. The implacable law of all accidents and disasters is discussed together with the code of conduct drawn up by German chemists, since these are based on cause and effect and not on irrational influence. That modern civilisation could not flourish without the all embracing and beneficial influence of chemistry is illustrated by a few examples ranging from anaesthetics to beer and wine. Finally, the drastic consequences of chemophobia are noted and a solution to these is suggested: teaching the school teachers to present knowledge of chemistry as desirable, as a basis of modern existence, and as a worthy career for young scientists, these may remove chemophobia in time.