What is Chemistry?
 
   Chemistry is what happens whenever sunlight hits the leaf of a tree, beginning the process of photosynthesis. Chemistry is what takes place when our brain is processing millions of pieces of information to command our movements, emotions and actions.

    Chemistry is present in all living things. The human body, for example, is like a large chemical plant where chemical reactions take place every second, keeping the human being alive. Without chemistry, there is no life.

    Man started studying chemical phenomena centuries ago. Alchemists looked for ways to achieve the transmutation of metals, while others searched for the elixir of long life. No matter what their objectives may had been, the fact is that by mixing plant extracts with substances taken from animals, our first chemists were also trying to find ways to cure diseases, or at least relieve the pain suffered by poor mortals. Through their experiments, they created a science that is constantly expanding mankind's horizons. As time went by, new products, new applications and new substances were discovered. Man started learning how to synthesize Nature's elements; develop new molecules; and alter the composition of matter. The importance of chemistry never stopped growing and today it plays such a relevant role in our day-to-day lives that we no longer distinguish what is and what is not chemistry.

    What we do know, however, is that without chemistry civilization would never have reached its current scientific and technological level that permits man to explore the frontiers of the universe; to travel at the speed of sound; produce food in the middle of the desert; produce potable water from the oceans; develop medicine for diseases that were previously considered incurable; and multiply the number of goods and products, which before were accessible to only a privileged few. And why did all this take place? Because CHEMISTRY IS LIFE.

    Chemistry is of fundamental importance to any country's economic and technological development. From steel making to the computer industry; from the arts to civil construction; and from agriculture to the aerospace industry, there is not one single area or sector that does not include some chemical input in its processes or products. With a high degree of scientific and technological development, the chemical industry transforms nature's elements into products that are useful to man. Through advanced processes, substances are altered and re-mixed to create the raw materials used in the production of medicines; in the generation of energy; the production of food; the purification of water; the manufacturing of goods such as automobiles and computers; the building of homes; and the production of a wide range of other items like the clothes, household appliances and personal hygiene products that are present in our modern day-to-day lives.

THE CHEMISTRY OF PURE WATER.

     Water is our planet's most abundant element. Although it covers three quarters of the earth's surface, only a small portion of it - located near urban centers - is potable. Without chemistry, it would be impossible to guarantee a steady supply of drinking water. Chemistry is what changes water that is improper for human consumption into pure, crystalline, contaminant-free water. Chlorine dioxide, for example, is used to oxidize organic matter and destroy microorganisms. Iron chloride and aluminum sulfate absorb and precipitate dirty matter in suspension. They also eliminate color, taste and odors. Active carbon retains micro-pollutants and detergents. Soda and lime neutralize the water's acidity. It is the chemical industry that supplies these and other products that allow man to continue enjoying pure and healthy water - an element that is essential to life.

CHEMISTRY THAT FEEDS.

    How can a constantly growing population be fed without exhausting natural resources? The answer is chemistry. Chemical products fertilize the soil and conserve and increase its production potential. The renewal of elements such as nitrogen, phosphate, potassium and calcium - carried away by rain and wind, destroyed by fire and depleted by constant harvesting - is fundamental for the maintenance of the soil's productivity. Without chemical fertilizers, areas that have been depleted or are unsuitable for farming would have to be abandoned, resulting in a drop in food production. Without chemical fertilizers forest reserves would dwindle as new agricultural areas are opened. Fertilizers help guarantee the quality of the food produced by farmers, the productivity of the land and prevent the spread of disease. As for cattle raising, veterinary medicines preserve the health of the herds, prevent epidemics and increase productivity. As we can see, chemistry offers a wealth of solutions that help man eliminate the specter of hunger.]

THE CHEMISTRY OF HEALTH.

    Without chemistry, which is present in practically all medicines, scientists would not be able to synthesize new molecules that cure diseases and strengthen the health of human beings. But, the use of chemistry transcends medicine for its prolongs and protects man's life. The chemical sector, which supplies other industries with a fantastic amount of basic products, also develops raw materials specifically for the medical field. Heart valves, artificial limbs, disposable syringes, surgical gloves, serum recipients, flexible and atoxic tubes and bags for the collection and storing of blood are just a few examples of the kind of products made possible by chemistry and which have revolutionized the world of medicine. Chemistry plays an important role in hospitals, clinics, and intensive care unit. The modern equipment used in surgeries and to diagnose illness is manufactured with chemical raw materials. Infections are fought and controlled with advanced disinfectants. Reagents accelerate the results of lab exams. The concept that chemistry is life is more evident in medicine than in any other field of activity.

CHEMISTRY IN OUR DAY-TO-DAY LIVES.

    Chemistry is with us 24 hours a day. It is present in just about every single product that we use in our day-to-day lives. From the sophisticated computer to the simple ballpoint pen and from the impressive automobile to the small toy car, there is not one product that is not made with raw materials supplied by the chemical industry. Plastic resins are used to mold the keyboards, cabinets and diskettes of computers. The automobile contains an enormous list of chemical-based products such as: the steering wheel, panel, lining and upholstery, seats, electrical wires covered in plastic insulators, hoses, fuel tanks, fenders and tires. Chemical-based packaging protects most food products. Chemistry produced the synthetic fibers and dyes of our clothes. There is an infinity of products in our homes, which directly or indirectly are the result of the chemistry: the paint that covers our walls, plastic toys and pots, tubes used to carry electricity and water, rugs, carpets and curtains. And let's not forget the chemical components found in our washing machines and dishwashers, refrigerators, microwave ovens, videogames and television sets. Chemistry is also present in the personal hygiene and housecleaning products that we use. It's just a matter of paying attention. Without chemistry, our day-to-day lives would be much more difficult. To help man lead a healthier and a more comfortable and secure life with more time for leisure, the chemical industry is constantly investing in technology, safe processes and in the development of new products. The result is progress.

THE CHEMISTRY OF NEW MATERIALS.

    Petrochemistry is one of the chemical industry's most important fields of activity. Starting with ethylene - obtained from the naphtha of petroleum, or directly from natural gas - petrochemistry creates a series of raw materials that allow man to produce materials that replace wood, animal skins and other natural products. Two such products are plastic and synthetic fibers. The principal thermoplastic resins are: high-density polyethylene (HDP), low density polyethylene (LDP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) , polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). These resins are used to make auto parts, computer components and by the aerospace and electric/electronic industries. They are also used to manufacture bottles, footwear, toys thermal and acoustic insulators, and such a wide variety of other products that it is hard to imagine today's world without plastic resins. The products made by the petrochemical complexes are also used to produce, among other things, ethylene glycol, terephthalic acid, dimethyl terephthalate, and acrylonitrile - raw materials used in the production of polyester, nylon, acrylic and other fibers and threads. Synthetic fibers, blended or not with natural like fibers cotton and wool, are transformed into textile goods and other products used by different industries, like tire manufacturers, for example. New uses for synthetic fibers and thermoplastic resins emerge every day. The result is greater production, lower prices, easier access to consumer goods and a better quality of life.

CHEMISTRY DESIGNS THE FUTURE.

     Vehicles that are totally recyclable, built with more resistant materials which are lighter than steel. Safe and comfortable homes that are built quickly and at a low cost. Degradable products that help recover the soil's fertility. Vegetable plantations that produce plastics. High energy and non-polluting fuels. More efficient medicines. Substances capable of making an entire city's sewage output become inert. The recovery of areas devastated by centuries of exploitation. Dreams? Not for chemistry, a science that is constantly expanding the frontiers of knowledge. With an eye on the future, the chemical industry invests a large part of its revenue in research and development. The chemical industry's synthetic fibers allowed the textile sector to enlarge its production and reduce prices. Plastics were used to create packaging that preserves food and medicines for long periods of time. They are also used to produce rust-free tubes and parts and components for all kinds of different industries. These are just a few examples. The chemical industry will help man develop the processes and materials that will guarantee food, housing and comfort to future generations. Much of the future that lies in store for man and the Planet is now being designed by chemistry.

THE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT OF CHEMISTRY.

    One of the most important worldwide concerns is to avoid or prevent the environmental impact of human activities. Like in many other activities, the manufacture of chemical products involves risks. But the chemical industry, which for years was considered a villain, an aggressor of nature, has invested heavily in control equipment, in new management systems and technological processes to reduce to a minimum the danger of ecological accidents. An example of this is the Responsible Care Program, which in Brazil is coordinated by ABIQUIM - the Brazilian Chemical Industry Association. The Responsible Care Program establishes procedures for the continuous improvement in several of the industry's fields of activity. In this respect we should underscore the following areas: reduction of effluent emissions, control of residues, employee health and safety and emergency readiness. The entire life cycle of a chemical product is thoroughly analyzed to avoid any risk to the environment, even when the consumer throws away the packaging. Effluents and residues and treated until they become inert. Several companies are using sophisticated environmental control equipment. Teams are being constantly trained to act swiftly in the event of accidents with chemical products, thus avoiding risks to man and the environment. The chemical industry works, invests and researches in order to play clean with Nature in a game everyone wins.