Prepared by: ChM. Dr. Mohd Izham Saiman

The term chemical is often misunderstood and unjustly stigmatized, with many interpreting it as inherently harmful or dangerous. Take agriculture, for instance: chemical fertilizers are frequently accused of causing harm to both human health and the environment, especially when used over extended periods. While this concern is valid to some extent, the promotion of organic fertilizers is often pursued—even if their agricultural yield may not rival that of chemical fertilizers.

However, one must realize that organic fertilizers also contain chemical elements, such as Nitrogen (N), a vital nutrient that plays a key role in plant growth and development. This raises an important question: Where, then, are the “chemicals” absent in organic fertilizers?

The same misconception applies to other industries, such as cosmetics, textiles, and the production of items like gloves—where chemical substances are integral to manufacturing processes.

In truth, our daily lives are inextricably linked with chemical substances, whether we are aware of them or not. From the air we breathe—comprised of oxygen (Oâ‚‚), a chemical element found in the periodic table—to the natural process of photosynthesis in plants, where carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) is absorbed and oxygen (Oâ‚‚) is released, chemistry is at the heart of nature itself.

Thus, the word chemical should not be dismissed or treated as synonymous with danger. A more precise term, such as “hazardous chemical substances,” should be used to distinguish those that genuinely pose health and environmental risks. Not all chemicals are harmful; in fact, many are essential to life and are naturally occurring.

Consequently, there is no need to fear or demonize the term chemical in contrast to “natural” or “organic” products, which themselves are composed of chemical compounds.

Reflect on this: chemistry is not the enemy—it is the essence of life.

Date of Input: 14/04/2025 | Updated: 01/07/2025 | hidayahsaleh