Chemical World: Science in Our Daily Lives

Another title in the “Orca Footprints” series, Chemical World: Science in Our Daily Lives shines the spotlight on chemicals that are found in every aspect of our lives. In the “Introduction”, the biologist author speaks candidly to the young reader about how invasive and pervasive some chemicals–like those listed as ingredients in many everyday products—have become. While everything is comprised of chemicals (combinations of basic elements), we’re invited via four chapters to examine “the good, the bad and the unknown” as they affect us.

Beginning with “A Chemical History Tour” with some background information on how modern chemistry works, the book moves on to describe how the creation of synthetic chemicals led to their presence throughout our lives. The third chapter deals with examples of chemicals that have negatively affected environments before the final chapter shares ways we have sought to counter the harmful effects with green chemistry. With a final sharp focus on some activities of young people, the book ends with suggestions for getting involved with reducing our exposure to chemicals through wise choices and critical thinking.

Inserts called “My Chemical World” deal with the author’s personal anecdotes about some less than positive experiences, e.g. being instructed to handle poisonous mercury in a science class. Other sidebars, “It’s Elemental”, offer fast facts such as the way persistent organic pollutants have even been measured in the Antarctic. The “Resources” page is a balanced list of print and nonprint information. The “Glossary” expands on definitions that already appear in context. An “Index” is to come in the final version. Photos (presumably to be in color) appear relevant and are effectively captioned.

This well-organized 50-page book leads the reader logically through the facts about chemicals as they impact everyday life. The writing style is kid-friendly and informal, giving the impression that all will be clearly explained. This approach helps to make a complicated topic less intimidating; rather it becomes engaging and arouses curiosity using references with which young readers can readily identify. For instance, the historical examples of synthetic chemicals that turned out to be harmful are dramatic and interesting: DDT as it affected bald eagles, PCBs that have affected orcas, POPs (persistent organic pollutants) found in the deepest ocean and at the poles, the Love Canal and Bhopal, India disasters. The first two chapters end with questions to ponder that will be answered in the subsequent pages. And the author recognizes the frightening impact some of this detail might have on young minds, ending the third chapter on a compassionate note (“I hope you’re okay after reading...stories about terrible things happening to people and the environment”) while stressing how knowledge is power when it comes to looking for ways to make a difference.

The only qualm is the bland, text-book title—Chemical World—which sounds technical and adult. It gives no hint of the personal level of the book’s contents, of how much the storytelling within will appeal directly to a young person. It might deter some readers for whom the science of chemistry is not attractive from even opening this book. That would be a shame since the author grabs your attention firmly on the first page and ensures it won’t waver throughout.