Toxicity

googleplex

21st May 2007 - 10:14 PM

http://www.physorg.com/news98984947.html

They could save money on tests and called Erin Brockovich.
The general rule is that chemical toxicity is inversely correlated with relative abundance. In laymens words: chemicals that man evolved with over millions of years are safe (e.g. water, sand, iron, carbon, table salt). Rare chemicals that man did not evolve with are toxic (plutonium, mercury, chromium 6).
This is a general rule and there are exceptions.

PhysOrg scientific forums are totally dedicated to science, physics, and technology. Besides topical forums such as nanotechnology, quantum physics, silicon and III-V technology, applied physics, materials, space and others, you can also join our news and publications discussions. We also provide an off-topic forum category. If you need specific help on a scientific problem or have a question related to physics or technology, visit the PhysOrg Forums. Here you’ll find experts from various fields online every day.