I07 Estimating risks and dangers correctly: 2

Aim: The sensible use of chemical products.

 

   New methods and materials are constantly being developed by the chemical industry. Every product is provided with a handbook or instructions giving details of how it should be used, and the safety-precautions that need to be taken.
Unfortunately this information is all too frequently ignored or forgotten.

Example: fertilisers.
As discussed in I1 fertilisers, if correctly used, give major benefits in crop yield without harmful effects. Over-use can, however, cause harm to the environment by contaminating waterways and ground water. Chemical agents need to be measured carefully, and diluted suitably, according to the need; indiscriminate use can contaminate the environment, e.g. waterways, harming or killing animal and bird life. (In illustration I7, sewage-waste from animal husbandry is used as a soil fertiliser. Excessive use contaminates waterways, depleting oxygen levels and killing the fish population).