Chemophobia

Catalog description

The first rule of confronting chemophobia is not to use the word chemophobia. Only by proper communication and education can anti-scientific opinions be confronted more effectively. Chemophobia, an aversion to or prejudice against chemicals or even against chemistry, is one of the most pervasive and challenging science-related phobias to confront. How have people come to distrust chemicals in everyday use and does this distrust threaten public health and security? What are the origins of this phenomenon? This course examines key historical events (exposure to pesticides, industrial disasters, uses of chemicals in warfare) and social and sub-cultural trends that triggered the chemophobia epidemic. Acknowledging the dangers and damages associated with hazardous chemical processes, misuses, and accidents, we analyze both rational and irrational bases that led to the emergence of chemophobic sentiments. We examine whether one can measure and compare levels of chemophobia and anti-scientific attitudes across societies. We also consider how chemists and journalists can help reduce the level of chemical paranoia through education and communication and why this is so important.