Poor knowledge of chemistry

Poor knowledge of chemistry

From Koran Tempo

I learned from a mass-media report, that on March 25, three persons died instantly when a tube containing ammonia gas exploded at a gas filling company, PT Kimia Bahagia, Tangerang. Ammonia gas is used in ice-making factories in Jakarta and its surroundings.

Unfortunately, Indonesians generally have a poor knowledge about chemistry and do not pay attention to safety precautions needed when dealing with chemicals. Chemistry-related education is in a mess while public awareness about a safe and healthy environment is almost nil.

Sadly, as a result, there are few popular books on chemistry. The government is yet to make the people chemistry-literate. Even those in the chemical industries are generally traders or laymen.

In fact, there is no short-cut to understanding chemistry. Once you are careless when using chemicals, your life will be at a great risk. Of course, we mourn those killed in the accident referred to above but more must be done to ensure that our people know how to deal with chemicals properly.

ANTON HARTOMO

Jakarta