Would you ban this

[Dare]

A student at Eagle Rock Junior High won first prize at the Greater Idaho Falls Science Fair. He was attempting to show how conditioned we have become to alarmists practicing junk science and spreading fear of everything in our environment. In his project he urged people to sign a petition demanding strict control or total elimination of the chemical "dihydrogen monoxide."

And for plenty of good reasons, since:

1. it can cause excessive sweating and vomiting
2. it is a major component in acid rain
3. it can cause severe burns in its gaseous state
4. accidental inhalation can kill you
5. it contributes to erosion
6. it decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes
7. it has been found in tumors of terminal cancer patients

He asked 50 people if they supported a ban of the chemical.


* Forty-three (43) said yes,
* Six (6) were undecided,
* Only one (1) knew that the chemical was water.

The title of his prize winning project was, "How Gullible Are We?"

He feels the conclusion is obvious

[Chameleon]

It would be funnier were it not so painfully true.

[raindancer]

I am with you guys on this.

[romephius]

I had to explain that one to a workmate of mine..........see they are everywhere

Rom

[Alianora La Canta]

Amazing how many people can't remember their basic chemical education, even when they're still studying at the institution that (I hope) taught them the correct way to write down chemical compounds...

[johnbull]

I must admit, I had to look at it twice before it dawned.

But at least I can blame it on senility!

[Wizzo]

Strangely enough, fish breath it in all the time with no harmful side effects.