In the daily routine of life we come in contact with countless chemicals, natural and synthetic. Chemicals are used to protect peoples health, environment and general well-being. The soap that we use or the perfume that we use may also have some amount of chemicals. The liberal use of chemicals is beginning to worry people about their effects on health and environment. Their harmful effects are measured by the toxicity. The basic principle of which is that the level of the dosage determines the danger to life. Any substance can be toxic if we consume too much of it. The dangerous level of toxicity varies from chemical to chemical. Things like common salt and vitamins are toxic if we consume too much of them. In case of high blood pressure, doctors advise a reduction of salt intake. Similarly, in case of diabetes the use of sugar is restricted.
Chemicals are to kill termites, wasps and other such insects. Restaurants, hotels and hospitals use chemicals and disinfectants to control flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches etc. Farmers and agriculturists use them in fields to prevent pest attacks. Fruits and vegetables are sprayed with certain chemicals. Fertilisers are used to enrich the soil. Housewives use chemicals liberally to clean clothes, to bleach, to clean kitchen and bathroom surface etc. Certain chemicals used by sanitation department to destroy mosquitoes and flees from garbage heaps. Chemicals become dangerous only when their use becomes excessive and come into contact with the human body. This can happen in three ways orally through the mouth, dermally through the skin, and through inhalation. We must be very careful when using chemicals. Mouth and nose must be covered and our skin must not come into direct contact with any chemical. Strict vigilance should be kept on stored chemicals. They should never be within the reach of children and should always be labelled properly.
SHUMAILA AFZAL
Lahore
