Joseph Perrone: Science is everywhere, whether you see it or just wear it
While Americans stand in awe of the grand displays of chemistry – i.e., fireworks – bursting over their hometown on the Fourth of July, the Pew Research Center reports that only 67 percent of us think science has had a positive impact on society.
In fact, science makes our Independence Day celebrations possible!
In addition to keeping your backyard pool bacteria-free, chlorine compounds are responsible for strengthening a firework’s color, and in some cases provide oxygen for the firework’s combustion. And before making fireworks that burst a bright white color, titanium dioxide played a role keeping your family safe from sunburn. The compound is a natural UV blocker found in most sunscreens.
It’s important to know that even when it’s not immediately apparent, science is all around us. As we enjoy our Independence Day swimming in clean water, avoiding sunburns and watching chemical reactions light up the night sky, let’s take a moment to tip our Uncle Sam top hats to science.
Joseph Perrone, Chief Science Officer, Center to Accountability in Science, Washington D.C.
This story was originally published June 29, 2017 at 6:27 PM with the headline "Joseph Perrone: Science is everywhere, whether you see it or just wear it."