Chemophobia
Fear of Chemicals
Chemophobia, the fear or aversion to chemicals, often intersects with concerns about environmental illness. This anxiety stems from a legitimate fear of the potential harm caused by certain synthetic chemicals, such as the infamous DDT, which decimated bird populations and disrupted ecosystems. The widespread use of pesticides, industrial pollutants, and other harmful chemicals has undeniably led to environmental degradation and a loss of environmental health. While a healthy skepticism of potentially harmful substances is crucial, chemophobia can sometimes overshadow the complexities of chemical risk assessment and the crucial role that many chemicals play in modern society.