Analytical chemistry as a tool for suppressing chemophobia: an introduction to the 5E-principle

Chemophobia and passion: why chemists should desire Marcel Proust

In this article, we introduce a new communication strategy called the "communication success dimension" for the suppression and eradication of chemophobia. We explain, using recent examples, that chemophobia presents a danger not only to the science of chemistry but also to humankind. Based on the latest insights from communication research, we emphasize the need to bring more passion, dedication, and human factors into the communication of chemistry. We demonstrate the application of this new strategy by employing Marcel Proust's In Search of Lost Time to combat chemophobia.

Graphical abstract

Chemophobia cured by chemists: chemists as children of the Sun

The success of chemists in the fight against COVID-19 provides us with a unique opportunity for strengthening the position of chemistry in society and suppressing chemophobia which has badly affected the image and development of chemistry over several decades. By highlighting the unique merits of chemistry in controlling infections and healing diseases, we propose developing a communication strategy "Chemists as children of the Sun". The time is ripe for chemists to take control of the story of chemistry. We believe that chemists must help the public to see chemistry in a whole new light. Only a positive perception of chemistry and the chemical profession will secure a sufficient supply of new talents, ideas, and also financial resources for the development of this unique and irreplaceable science for humanity.

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Chemophobia versus the identity of chemists: heroes of chemistry as an effective communication strategy

ABSTRACT

Decades of chemophobia are taking a high toll on chemistry. As current surveys suggest, people are displaying an irrational desire to live in a world without chemistry, but at the same time are unable to answer trivial chemistry questions. Constant questioning of the importance of chemistry induced by chemophobia leads to a weakening of the identity of chemists and can have negative consequences on the reproduction of chemistry. The need for the support of a positive perception of the chemical profession and an offer of positive examples for self-identification is the result. Everyday communication thus becomes the background on which the determination of the identity of the chemist takes place. The new communication strategy, which we call "heroes of chemistry", aims not only to add a much-needed human touch to chemistry communications, but also to create the conditions for strengthening the identity of the chemist.

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Addressing Chemophobia: Informational versus affect-based approaches

This study investigated the effect of two communication strategies (informational and affect-based) in reducing chemophobia, the irrational fear of chemicals. In an online experiment, participants (N = 448) were randomly assigned to one of three groups ("control", "knowledge", or "affect" group). The following dependent variables were assessed: chemophobia, knowledge of basic toxicological principles, affect towards chemicals, benefit perception of the use of chemicals, and preference for natural substitutes in consumer products. The results showed that only the informational approach, which conveys knowledge of basic toxicological principles, significantly decreased chemophobia and the preference for natural substitutes in consumer products. The affect-based approach significantly increased positive affect towards chemicals and the benefit perception of their use, but did not decrease chemophobia. This suggested that the provision of relevant information about basic toxicological principles is a more effective strategy than merely addressing laypeople's affect towards chemicals to reduce chemophobia. Relevant knowledge could be taught in schools or disseminated by toxicologists and scientists who are trusted by the public.

Returning to Nature for the Design of Sorptive Phases in Solid-Phase Microextraction

Green analytical chemistry principles aim to minimize the negative impact of analytical procedures in the environment, which can be considered both at close (to ensure the safety of the analysts) and global (to conserve our natural resources) levels. These principles suggest, among other guidelines, the reduction/minimization of the sample treatment and the use of renewable sources when possible. The first aspect is largely fulfilled by microextraction, which is considered to be among the greenest sample treatment techniques. The second consideration is attainable if natural products are used as raw materials for the preparation of new extraction phases. This strategy is in line with the change in our production system, which is being gradually moved from a linear model (take–make–dispose) to a circular one (including reusing and recycling as key terms). This article reviews the potential of natural products as sorbents in extraction and microextraction techniques from the synergic perspectives of two research groups working on the topic. The article covers the use of unmodified natural materials and the modified ones (although the latter has a less green character) to draw a general picture of the usefulness of the materials.