What would happen if, by pure magic, the utilization of Chemistry in the construction industry would stop suddenly? Mankind would go back on time and live in wooden huts or mud houses. Light and hot water? Only what we could get from the sun or a log fire. Construction of buildings, no way! The comforts of modern life, like taking a shower, TV viewing, listening to good music or even a single thing like washing your hands under the faucet would simply disappear.

Although you may not notice it, Chemistry is your constant companion in your house or apartment. It is present in every room used by you.

Look at the walls: there is it under the names of titanium dioxide, vinyl poliacetate, ethyl acrylate and nitrocelulose lacquers, among many others possible, always present in the formulation of paints that communicate that relaxing colorful atmosphere to your house.

Hidden in the walls, the polyvinyl chloride, better known as PVC, distributes water and electricity throughout your house, with the advantage that it resists moisture, decreasing the workload of plumbers and electricians. As a matter of fact, electric wires and cables are also coated with PVC.

Phenolic resins and hexamethylenetetramine are in the composition of the Bakelite used for electric outlets. Thermoplastic resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene are also present in the molding of switches, outlets, and switchplates that give that nice finish to your house.

There are many other chemical products used, directly or indirectly, in the construction industry. Faucets, valves, and doorknobs, for instance, got that nice shine only after several chemical treatments. Sodium and copper cyanides, with sodium carbonate or caustic soda were used to protect the metal against corrosion. Then, nickel sulfate and chloride, together with boric acid and chemical additives, completed the treatment. The chromic acid and the sulfuric acid gave the metal a polished shine. And, if your faucet, doorknob or fixtures have that coppery color, you may like to know that the effects of copper, zinc and sodium cyanides obtained it. Chemistry may even display some difficult names, but for sure it is not only living with you, but it is also present in many other products and utensils used in the decoration of your house and in your day-by-day activities. But this is another story. Anyhow, it is always good to remember that, without Chemistry, it would be very difficult to get home after a hard working day, and call it " home, sweet home".

Text: Luiz Carlos de Medeiros (Mtb 12.293) English version by Joe Vianna (translat@mvpisp.com)