Episode 6: Misperceptions of Chemistry

We’ve all heard the word, "chemical," be used to insinuate toxicity, danger, or harm. But what, exactly, is a chemical? And what does chemistry have to do with helping the Ocean Research and Conservation Association carry out its environmental work? Before we go throwing around the word, “chemicals,” in a negative way, we wanted to clarify some of chemistry’s most common misperceptions; so, we brought in an expert-in-the-making: Yale University chemistry major, Jaeger Johnson.

For the second year in a row, ORCA was pleased to have Johnson as a summer intern. Host, Aurora Aparicio, sat him down between lab experiments to get to the heart of how scientists think about chemicals and perhaps how we can start thinking about them, too. Their conversation unveils what it takes for an ordinary chemical to be considered a harmful pollutant and to whom. 

In this episode, you’ll learn about elements, chemicals, chemical reactions, and the distinctions between different branches of chemistry and how they augment environmental science. You may also be surprised to hear about some familiar chemicals your family already knows, loves, and uses daily. 

As always, thanks for listening and be sure to check out how you can help save the environment at www.teamorca.org