ETHICAL, LEGAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES IN CHEMISTRY

The study of chemistry has brought tremendous, positive development to the world and to Nigeria in particular. Chemistry has contributed greatly towards providing our basic needs and improving the quality of our life. For example, the provision of clothing, housing, better food and transportation is made possible through the knowledge of chemistry.

However, there are some products of science (chemical wastes) that can cause havoc to the lives of plants and animals and the environment.

WRONG APPLICATIONS OF SCIENCE (CHEMISTRY) 

Chemistry can be applied in a right way to bring about advantages and comfort to people. On the other hand, wrong application of chemistry in the area of chemical waste management results in adverse effect of environmental pollution, health hazards and eventual death.

IMPLICATIONS OF WRONG APPLICATION OF CHEMISTRY

1. Pollution: Wrong application of chemistry has led to the contamination of the environment, especially water and air, with harmful substances that threaten both plants and animals. nor
2. Drug Abuse: The knowledge of chemistry has provided drugs like heroin, cocaine and morphine which have had adverse effects on so many lives that use them.
3. Abortion: When science is wrongly applied, abortion, which is a risky exercise, may result to death.
4. War: Scientific practice (chemical processes) has led to the production of weapons of destruction. For example, guns, gun powder, and nuclear bombs are chemical products used during wars and by criminals to make life miserable for citizens.
5. Mercy Killing: Some chemical products have been used to kill patients with terminal disease without allowing natural death to take its course. This is called mercy killing or euthanasia.

ROLE OF GOVERNMENTS IN PREVENTING CHEMICAL DEGRADATION

The government of every country has a vital role to play in preventing chemical degradation. These roles include:

1. Legislation – the government should enact a law that will curtail indiscriminate disposal of chemical wastes, pollutants manufacture and sale of illicit drugs and other illegal chemical products.
2. Establish regulatory bodies to ensure and enforce the law.
3. Setting a minimum standard for the establishment of chemical industries.
4. Government should ensure the proper and effective enforcement of the standards and legislation.
5. Organising public enlightenment campaigns for all citizens on the adverse reactions of some chemical products and wastes i.e. to educate the citizens.