The Danger of Chemistry
We're awash in the odorless and potentially deadly dihydrogen monoxide!
We could all use a little lightheartedness right now, so here's an old favorite from my collection of interesting things found on the internet. This is a teasing hoax that dates back to at least 1989. It's aimed at people who don't know much about chemistry or are actively afraid of anything that smacks of "chemistry" (or sometimes even science). You can read about it on Wikipedia, or you can visit the official site. (Yes, it's a hoax with an official website.)
I've seen various TV shows send people out with petitions about DHMO to see how many signatures they get (generally quite a few). Many accept it as dangerous without really understanding it just because of the framing.
It speaks to an interesting combination of fear and willingness to trust (or not) information based on certain attributes and how it is framed.
The Invisible Killer
Dihydrogen monoxide (DHMO) is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and kills uncounted thousands of people every year.
Most of these deaths are caused by inhalation of DHMO, which is typically fatal, but the dangers of dihydrogen monoxide do not end there. Symptoms of DHMO ingestion can include excessive sweating and urination, and possibly even a bloated feeling, nausea, vomiting, and body electrolyte imbalance.
For those who become dependent, DHMO withdrawal means certain death.
Dihydrogen Monoxide:
Is also known as hydroxyl acid and is a major component of acid rain.
Contributes to the greenhouse effect.
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.
Contamination currently is at epidemic proportions!
Quantities of dihydrogen monoxide have been found in every stream, lake and reservoir in America today. The pollution is global, and this insidious contaminant has even been found in Antarctic ice. In the Midwest alone DHMO has caused millions of dollars in property damage.
Despite the known dangers, 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.
Waste DHMO is allowed to pollute our precious lakes, rivers, streams and the ocean itself. The impact on wildlife is extreme, and we cannot afford to ignore it any longer!
The horror must be stopped!
The American 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."
In fact, the navy and other military organizations are conducting experiments with DHMO and designing multi-billion-dollar devices to control and utilize it during warfare situations. Hundreds of military research facilities receive tons of it through a highly sophisticated underground distribution network. Many store large quantities for later use!
It's not too late!
Act NOW to prevent further contamination. Find out more about this dangerous chemical. What you don't know can hurt you and others throughout the world.
Visit the DHMO website at: http://www.dhmo.org/
This is hilarious! I love that there’s a website devoted to revealing the dangers of H2O. 😆
Chemistry isn't my forte, but I know it's yours. Is there anything that DHMO doesn't cause? The list on the website included everything from soup to nuts - that should be enough to cause a thinking person to question the claim's validity.