Home » Articles

 

 

Misconception 6: we are subjects in an unregulated, uncontrolled experiment

 

Related ideas in lifestyle commentary:

The effects of chemicals are unknown Chemicals have not and cannot be tested in the long term The use of chemicals is unregulated and out of control The regulatory system isn’t working

 

The chemical reality is that there is an extensive regulatory system that strictly controls what chemicals can be used: what experiments can take place, what can be used, for which purpose, how it should be transported, used and disposed of and how its use should be controlled and monitored. This includes specific regulation of chemicals for use as drugs, food additives, veterinary medicines, medical devices, plant protection products, biocides, etc. as well as regulations concerned with the air we breathe and the water we drink.

"On any plate of food the only things that can be relied on to be safe to eat are those chemicals, natural or synthetic, which are traces of pesticides or hormones or those that have E-numbers. The rest of the food must be taken on trust." John Hoskins, environmental toxicologist

As most people recognise we will always learn more about a chemical once it has been used for a long time and sometimes in a variety of settings. This is true of all products and ways of doing things, so it is not right to refer to it as an "experiment".

Some of the commentary about chemicals seems to suggest that chemical scientists are part of a big conspiracy that would see people poisoned in order that more products are sold and profits made. The term ‘uncontrolled experiment’ implies that the scientists are willing to create a harmful environment. Is that realistic? Quite apart from their role in improving health and environmental conditions, they have to raise families and live in it too!

"I worry that the supply of young people – people who can become true magicians with matter - will dry up through bad publicity and lack of motivation." Peter Atkins, physical chemist

Chemicals must be handled and used carefully. Contrary to the impression created by some scare stories, chemical scientists have been at the fore of identifying safety thresholds and promoting better chemical handling in workplaces, homes and the wider environment.

Sense About Science is grateful to the many chemical scientists and others who contributed to this briefing document through participation in the working group, provision of material, checking, editing and answering a very long list of questions. Our special thanks go to: Ursula Arens, Peter Atkins, Sir Colin Berry, Alan Boobis, Andrew Cockburn, Catherine Collins, Diana Cook, John Emsley, Professor John Henry, John Hoskins, Paul Illing, Steven Lipworth, Derek Lohmann, Alan Malcolm, Sean McWhinnie, Kevin Prior, David Taylor, Richard Van Noorden and Martin Wiseman.