The chemist must therefore propose strategies which do not produce polluting or unusable sub-products, which do not waste atoms or molecules, which avoid organic or auxiliary molecule solvents, or rather additives (in such a way simplifying processes). It must proposes new formulas which are less toxic than present formulas and which are equally efficient and, finally, utilise safe processes or renewable raw materials.
The choices which the chemist must make therefore depend on their own skills as well as correct analysis of the technical-scientific and social aspects and implications regarding the use and management of non-renewable resources. This means that the approach cannot be an emotional one as the general public, in most cases, has been brought to feel. It is in the wake of this emotional and sentimental naturalism, currently quite widespread, that people mistakenly believe that any substance derived from nature does not cause any collateral effects.
It seems that this is the current and most common environmental safeguarding strategy: to unprejudiced recourse to natural composites, regardless of quantities used. It is important to point out that the terms “natural”, “organic" and other similar terms do not automatically determine or distinguish environmentally-compatible or safe products, and even if they are made up of natural raw materials (even petrol and arsenic are naturally derived products!). Natural composites are not immune to the general rule stating that all substances, even the most harmless, if administered to an organism or introduced to the environment in large quantities, can produce undesired effects.
Many synthetic solvents, for example, which are responsible for large-scale VOC emissions have been replaced by essential oils and terpene-based vegetable solvents, such as d-limonene and some orange terpenes (these also being compositions and/or mixes of volatile organic compositions). It has been verified that whereas on one hand these unsaturated hydrocarbons (provided they are very low concentrations) can have beneficial effects, on the other hand (at higher concentrations, like solvents for paints, paintings, etc.) they can be skin and mucous irritants and can even cause the appearance of allergic reactions and can be highly toxic for water environments. And that's not all: it has also been verified that in some cases, where warning is missing for users/consumers of their real impact, indications are even omitted from labels, which are even supplied with misleading labels mentioning “VOC ZERO” formulas, masking the real impact on the working environment and the atmosphere without producing any related scientific data (SIC): it’s illegal in all ways!
Environmental problem resolution must involve:
- a rational and efficient study of products, processes and new and pre-existing technology;
- a careful evaluation of all impacts which can be generated on the ecosystem, reducing them to a minimum;
- scientific certification (that is according to specific, valid, internationally recognised norms) which must always accompany products placed on the market;
- At last, improved competence and professionalism, whose lack is all too often fills up by a subtle manipulation on human emotions.
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