Chlorine in Perspective
Abstract
Public concerns about chlorine and chlorinated chemicals were first aroused by Rachel Carson in 1962 with the publication of her book Silent Spring in which the uses of DDT and other chlorinated pesticides were attacked. Attacks on chlorine and chlorinated chemicals have continued at varying levels of intensity over the intervening years. Two opposed positions have been taken by various groups with respect to the use of chlorine and chlorinated chemicals. One approach is to take action against chlorine and the entire class of chlorinated chemicals on the basis of both real and perceived risks and without regard for either economic impacts or the loss of known benefits of the targeted class of chemicals. The other approach is to judge each chemical on a chemical-by-chemical basis—considering the scientific data on toxicity and adverse effects as well as the risks and benefits of each chemical. This paper presents a summary of important benefits provided by the use of chlorine and chlorinated chemicals. Also summarized are the principal risks associated with the use of these chemicals as well as the conclusions concerning the possible courses of action for the reduction of risks.
Description
PresentationSubject
ChlorineCollections
Citation
Holland, Charles D. (1998). Chlorine in Perspective. Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center; Texas &M University. Libraries. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /193922.