Category Archives: Chemistry and Toxicology

On Carbon Dioxide Toxicity

Posted on April 10, 2016 by Blair

The other evening I became engaged in a fascinating discussion (for me) with a climate skeptic on the topic of carbon dioxide, specifically whether it was “toxic” or not. After that discussion I committed to do a write-up on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Chemistry and Toxicology, Risk, Uncategorized | 18 Comments

On chemical scare-mongering and science communication, it’s BPA’s turn this time

Posted on March 31, 2016 by Blair

I have written numerous blog posts describing the miscommunication of human health risks posed by chemistry and chemicals; covering topics from gypsy-moth spray to synthetic soccer fields. Frankly the fact that I have an entire section of this blog dedicated … Continue reading →

Posted in Chemistry and Toxicology, Risk, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

A cautionary tale about disconnecting theory from data in data analyses

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Blair

In the modern era a new breed of scientist has emerged on the scene: data analysis specialists. Similarly there is a new breed of journalist called “data journalists” with my favourite being Chad Skelton, formerly of the Vancouver Sun. These … Continue reading →

Posted in Chemistry and Toxicology, Uncategorized | 7 Comments

On poor science communication in the media: a case study on the flu vaccine

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Blair

This morning I was directed to a blog post by Bill Tieleman in The Tyee. The post dealt with the flu vaccine and was titled Time to End Expensive, Ineffective Forced Flu Shots. This is the latest of his, now … Continue reading →

Posted in Canadian Politics, Chemistry and Toxicology, Risk, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Don’t fear the soccer pitch – on synthetic turf fields and risk communication

Posted on November 9, 2015 by Blair

So my twitter feed exploded again. This time it was about the risks of synthetic turf fields to the kids in our soccer organization. The basis for this furor was a series of reports in The Province, CBC etc…. apparently … Continue reading →

Posted in Chemistry and Toxicology | 7 Comments

On the misleading use of toxicology in discussions about fracking chemicals?

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Blair

Last night I was forwarded a tweet that absolutely demanded a response. It was from that friend of science Robert F Kennedy Jr. and said “New Study: CA frak chemicals are linked to cancer, mutations and hormone disruption”. The study … Continue reading →

Posted in Chemistry and Toxicology | 9 Comments

More on Gypsy Moth spraying: Toxicity redux

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Blair

 Much as I expected, my post on “the nocebo effect” and spraying for gypsy moths” drew a whirlwind of criticism on Twitter and in my email inbox. The major concern had to do with the fact that in my post … Continue reading →

Posted in Chemistry and Toxicology, Gypsy Moth | 1 Comment

More on Oil Spills: Some Toxicological Calculations and What if it were Dilbit?

Posted on April 11, 2015 by Blair

I have been asked a number of questions, both on Twitter and via email, regarding my post on the English Bay fuel spill and so I have written up this follow-up to my last post. In particular, I was asked … Continue reading →

Posted in Chemistry and Toxicology, Oil Sands, Pipelines | 7 Comments

A non-specialist’s guide to how spilled hydrocarbons react in water

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Blair

After the spill today in English Bay (at the Port of Vancouver) I have been asked by numerous people to explain what happens when petroleum hydrocarbons spill into water. Anyone with an internet connection can get any number of descriptions … Continue reading →

Posted in Chemistry and Toxicology, Oil Sands, Pipelines | 4 Comments

A Primer: Why Cheap Oil Doesn’t Mean Cheap Gasoline or Diesel

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Blair

I was listening to the radio the other evening and the topic of discussion was gasoline prices in the Lower Mainland. The callers (and host) were expressing their anger that gasoline prices had not dropped with the recent drop in … Continue reading →

Posted in Chemistry and Toxicology | 4 Comments