I can't begin to describe my dismay at the flippant, almost casual attitude displayed here regarding the oxide of hydrogen, Dihydrogen Oxide. This is no laughing matter, my friends: this is one of the most pervasive, misunderstood, and dangerous substances known and yet we laugh about it! Here are just a **few** of the **many** perils of Dihydrogen Oxide, taken from the important website http://www.dhmo.org/facts.html: "Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO) is a colorless and odorless chemical compound, also referred to by some as Dihydrogen Oxide, Hydrogen Hydroxide, Hydronium Hydroxide, or simply Hydric acid. Its basis is the unstable radical Hydroxide, the components of which are found in a number of caustic, explosive and poisonous compounds such as Sulfuric Acid, Nitroglycerine and Ethyl Alcohol. ". Death due to accidental inhalation of DHMO, even in small quantities. . Prolonged exposure to solid DHMO causes severe tissue damage. . Excessive ingestion produces a number of unpleasant though not typically life-threatening side-effects. . DHMO is a major component of acid rain. . Gaseous DHMO can cause severe burns. . Contributes to soil erosion. . Leads to corrosion and oxidation of many metals. . Contamination of electrical systems often causes short-circuits. . Exposure decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes. . Found in biopsies of pre-cancerous tumors and lesions. . Often associated with killer cyclones in the U.S. Midwest and elsewhere. . Thermal variations in DHMO are a suspected contributor to the El Nino weather effect. " And here is a section from the Material Safety Data Sheet for Dihydrogen Monoxide: "SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS KEEP CONTAINER TIGHTLY CLOSED. SUITABLE FOR ANY GENERAL CHEMICAL STORAGE AREA. DIHYDROGEN MONOXIDE IS CONSIDERED A NON-REGULATED PRODUCT, BUT REACTS VIGOROUSLY WITH SOME MATERIALS. THESE INCLUDE SODIUM, POTASSIUM AND OTHER ALKALI METALS; ELEMENTAL FLUORINE; AND STRONG DEHYDRATING AGENTS SUCH AS SULFURIC ACID. IT FORMS EXPLOSIVE GASES WITH CALCIUM CARBIDE. AVOID CONTACT WITH ALL MATERIALS UNTIL INVESTIGATION SHOWS SUBSTANCE IS COMPATIBLE. EXPANDS SIGNIFICANTLY UPON FREEZING. DO NOT STORE IN RIGID CONTAINER AND PROTECT FROM FREEZING." So let's all take a breather and think about being more serious about this deadly substance! Dan (OK, for the humor-impaired, although every one of the above statements is true, THIS IS A JOKE!) > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-photoforum@listserver.isc.rit.edu > [mailto:owner-photoforum@listserver.isc.rit.edu]On Behalf Of > CameraTraveler@aol.com > Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2002 3:45 PM > To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students > Subject: Re: "Magical thinking" > > > > In a message dated 6/18/02 16:22:38, Bob@Blakely.com writes: > > Dihydrogen Oxide, being the most important thing to life and to our lives, has a more exacting descriptions than the other elements and compounds. >
