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Green Chemistry

I do not have any explicitly learned knowledge of green chemistry, but surely have come across these 12 principles. Take for example, designing safer chemicals and designing for energy efficiency.

The hydrogen peroxide replacement of chlorine bleach in paper production leads to polyphenylene sulfone (PPSU) production, which is widely used for indoor airplanes and in underground trains. These non-flammable materials are novel engineering plastic that combines useful environmental, mechanical, and flame-resistant properties. Furthermore, chemical plants can encourage plant growth by waste steam-heating a greenhouse, through which carbon dioxide extrusion is accelerated to feed the growth of plants. 

In both examples, hazardous chemicals have been replaced by more sustainable products. The first discusses that plane and train equipment have evolved to be less flammable, which means that if any equipment combusts, they release less toxic chemicals, help minimize air pollution, and less damaging to passengers’ health. In the second example, industrial waste is utilized for an economic and environmental benefit because what was initially polluting the atmosphere can be transformed into a growth-promoting substance. 

Overall, the 12 principles of green chemistry provides a wonderful guideline for scientists and reminder for the general public. It is incredibly useful for the scientific and layman community to establish and be aware of these principles because it provides a standard for the sake of improving environmental health.

Comments

  1. It is incredible how useful and less harmful hydrogen peroxide really is. I use it often for home remedies, but learning that it is used for indoor airplanes and on underground train is reassuring that it has even more use than I expected.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The 12 principles of green chemistry is extremely helpful for anyone to learn about possible environmental hazards. With regards to your other example of industrial waste, it is important to acknowledge that we use the safest and environmental friendly to dispose chemical substances.

    ReplyDelete

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