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Here’s something you won’t hear on any other station today: an alert about a chemical you are likely to encounter today...that you may not be aware of.
It’s called dihydrogen monoxide.
It is fatal if inhaled, even in relatively small quantities. Its gaseous form may cause severe burns. It speeds the corrosion of many metals.
This chemical is used in nuclear power plants. Professional firefighters are aware of its properties and use it to extinguish deadly blazes.
It can now be found in the blood of every human being on this planet, not just in industrialized nations.
Dihydrogen monoxide is found in baby food, apple juice -- even your beer.
It’s a major factor in erosion. It’s the main component of acid rain.
This thing...this dihydrogen monoxide...this chemical....
Is also essential to human survival.
Dihydrogen monoxide is two hydrogen, one oxygen...H2O.
And if you’re so afraid of chemicals that you’re ready to believe anything that sounds scary about them, remember this: water is a chemical. Vitamin C is a chemical. The stuff you want in your foods are chemicals. If you eat something that says it has no chemicals in it -- it’s worth wondering whether you’re actually eating.
Tomorrow is world water day. This year’s theme is Water and Food Security. It’s a chemical, but a chemical we all need.