New Portobello campaign group?

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seanie
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New Portobello campaign group?

Post by seanie » 25 Jul 2007, 10:33

Some of you may've come across the subject before, but for some time now there's been a growing campaign to highlight the dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide.

Government and industry don't seem concerned but it can be a very dangerous chemical compound.
The dangers of dihydrogen monoxide include:

Also called "hydroxyl acid", the substance is the major component of acid rain.

Contributes to the greenhouse effect.

Contributes to the erosion of our natural landscape.

Accelerates corrosion and breakdown of electrical equipment.

Excessive ingestion may cause various unpleasant effects, including death.

Prolonged contact with its solid form results in severe tissue damage.

Inhalation, even in small quantities, may cause death.

Its gaseous form may cause severe burns.

It has been found in the tumors of terminal cancer patients.

Withdrawal by those addicted to the substance causes certain death within 168 hours.

Despite the danger, DHMO is often used.

Used in many forms of cruel animal research.

The US Navy has a secret distribution network for DHMO.

Lakes and rivers all over the world are contaminated with DHMO.

In the distribution of pesticides. Even after washing, produce remains contaminated by this chemical.

As an additive in certain "junk-foods" and other food products.

Known to be a component of a number of cancer-causing agents.
Used appropriately Dihydrogen Monoxide is quite safe but here in Portobello we're close to a considerable natural source of Dihydrogen Monoxide and yet there seems to be little local awareness.

I was just thinking it might be an idea to start a campaign group to at least alert people to the dangers.

Portobello Against Dihydrogen Monoxide?

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wangi
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Post by wangi » 25 Jul 2007, 11:37

Indeed. I hope you don't mind this being moved to G&TT...

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Dadaist
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Post by Dadaist » 25 Jul 2007, 13:08

I'm sure he doesn't mind it being moved to general population - seanie is the last person to want to get into hot water over this.

Yes, I've heard of this substance and even encountered it in my old chemistry lab at school (not much Health & Safety back then!)

Seanie, I've heard that some drinks in bars contain this - is that true?

I wish we had a solution to this problem on tap. Hopefully this heads-up by seanie is just the tip of the proverbial and there's more local campaigners about.

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SoupDragon
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Post by SoupDragon » 25 Jul 2007, 13:18

One of my sons has a great aversion to this substance. It may be some form of instinctive survival mechanism
I have noticed however many people are attracted to it when it has sodium chloride and other minerals added :lol:

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Dadaist
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Post by Dadaist » 25 Jul 2007, 13:31

When I did CSYS Chemistry I had to add pure sodium to some acid or other in one of those fragile glass bulbs - muggins chose to use DHMO as the coolant in a wee plastic tub underneath, which could have been explosive and spoiled my and the pupils near me's weekends somewhat.

Oh the joy when my teacher spotted what I was up to.

It was part of my project to make aspirin but I think I gave him a headache. I also ended up flooding the department with phenol vapour during that project - they had to partly evacuate.

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ali
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Post by ali » 25 Jul 2007, 13:36


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Porty
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Post by Porty » 25 Jul 2007, 13:40

Don't be so sad Ali its water under the bridge now,

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ali
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Post by ali » 25 Jul 2007, 13:47

Porty wrote:
Don't be so sad Ali its water under the bridge now,
I wouldn't mind but it was 15 minutes out of my lunch half-hour. It has just evaporated!!!

seanie
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Post by seanie » 25 Jul 2007, 14:07

Dadaist wrote:Seanie, I've heard that some drinks in bars contain this - is that true?
Unfortunately yes.

I fear that most of the Dihydrogen Monoxide I've ingested has probably come in that form.

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Dadaist
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Post by Dadaist » 25 Jul 2007, 14:11

Thing is, DHMO can really make you need the loo.

If anyone tried to put some in my single malt I'd be vexed.

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SoupDragon
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Post by SoupDragon » 25 Jul 2007, 14:18

Do not mix red underwear, white shirts and dihydrogen monoxide and heat.

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