Chemical world [eBook - NC Kids Digital Library] : Science in our daily lives

**Despite people using both natural and synthetic chemicals with (mainly) good intentions, some chemicals have had unintended negative consequences.** Chemical residues have contaminated ecosystems the world over and are compromising the health of many ecosystems, animals and humans. The goal of Chemical World: Science in our Daily Lives is to introduce readers to basic chemistry and chemical history, and to show how chemicals are used for particular reasons but sometimes turn out to be harmful to environmental and human health. It invites readers to take a look at the world around them and ask questions about what's in their environment and how the things they use and eat every day can affect their own health and the planet's health. Chemical World: Science in Our Daily Lives explores some of the materials—all of which are made of basic chemical elements—that humans use or come into contact with in their day-to-day lives. Some of these chemicals are naturally occurring—clay, mercury, lead. Others have been synthesized by chemists during the past 150 years and used in a bewildering array of products ranging from roof shingles to toothpaste. Many chemical inventions, as well as naturally produced chemicals, have had profound effects on food supply, developing medicines and creating hosts of useful items for modern life. Chemical World: Science in Our Daily Lives explores some of the materials-all of which are made of basic chemical elements-that humans use or come into contact with in their day-to-day lives. Some of these chemicals are naturally occurring-clay, mercury, lead. Others have been synthesized by chemists during the past 150 years and used in a bewildering array of products ranging from roof shingles to toothpaste. Many chemical inventions, as well as naturally produced chemicals, have had profound effects on food supply, developing medicines and creating hosts of useful items for modern life. Despite people using both natural and synthetic chemicals with (mainly) good intentions, some chemicals have had unintended negative consequences. Chemical residues have contaminated ecosystems the world over and are compromising the health of many ecosystems, animals and humans. The goal of Chemical World: Science in our Daily Lives is to introduce readers to basic chemistry and chemical history, and to show how chemicals are used for particular reasons but sometimes turn out to be harmful to environmental and human health. It invites readers to take a look at the world around them and ask questions about what's in their environment and how the things they use and eat every day can affect their own health and the planet's health "What's a chemical? What is green chemistry? Are all natural chemicals good? We come into contact with chemicals every day. Some are naturally occurring -- clay, water, sugar. Others have been synthesized and are used in a variety of products ranging from roof shingles to toothpaste. Many chemical inventions have had a profound effect on food supply, medicine and many other useful items in our day-to-day lives, and some chemicals have had unintended negative consequences. Which chemicals are in our environment? How do they affect us and the planet? Let's dive into the world of chemicals!" -- Book jacket "Part of the nonfiction Footprints series for middle readers, this book examines the good and the bad of the chemicals we come into contact with in our daily lives."-- Provided by publisher Part Of The Nonfiction Orca Footprints Series For Middle Readers, This Book Examines The Good And The Bad Of The Chemicals We Come Into Contact With In Our Daily Lives.