Page 217 - BEATS Secondary School

Organic Chemistry is difficult undoubtedly because it is demanding but once you
know it, it becomes enjoyable as you blast your way through reaction after reaction.
So, hopefully, we become Forensic scientists, Research & health care scientists or
Chemical engineers one day.
Adding on, am I natural, or am I synthetic? Organic compounds tend to be toxic.

In general, organic compounds can irritate and damage the skin, eyes and respiratory
tract, cause a narcotic effect on the nervous system and damage internal organs.
The extent of risk depends upon
• No. of carbon atoms in the compound
• Degree of unsaturation

A few consequences:
• Benzene causes leukaemia
• Aromatic hydrocarbons cause bladder and other cancers
• Fuels when burnt release greenhouse gases thereby causing global warming
• Chlorofluorocarbons deplete the ozone layer thereby letting harmful UV rays
to penetrate the earth’s surface.
• Plastics are non-biodegradable and take millions of years to decompose.
Plastic accumulation has become a threat to flora and fauna on land and sea.

I, carbon, responsible for the existence of life on earth is now also a threat to
sustainability and is posing the biggest environmental hazard with the advancements
in science and technology. It’s the time to THINK and USE sustainably.

- Dev Talwar, MYP 4