Fear of ‘chemicals’ is stunting our scientific progress

During casual conversations with Uber drivers and new acquaintances on flights across the country, it sometimes comes up that I’m a chemist. The reactions run the gamut, most latching onto the baggage associated with ‘chemicals‘ in today’s society. The most common sentiments being along these lines: “Chemical companies are making the environment and people less healthy.” “We should avoid chemicals in foods, cosmetics, and other consumer products.”