Chemical Education With Sustainability Criteria. Historical Context of Chemical Toxicity

Objective: To present and analyze the results of a literature review on the impacts of chemical toxicity in the context of the industrial and post-industrial revolution. Theoretical Framework: It is linked to current discussions on Teaching Science for Sustainability, highlighting unpublished research that reveals the importance of the chemical industry in the manufacture of substances for various uses, from the process of extraction, transformation, disposal and commercialization. Method: Following a methodological approach of a qualitative nature, a bibliographical review was carried out on the evolution of chemical toxicity on the SciELO and Dialnet indexed article platforms, which present information on the toxicity of the most common chemical compounds to which we are exposed in everyday life, from chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons (PCBs), PVC plastic, phthalates, pesticides, perfluorocarbons (PFCs), alkylphenols and their derivatives and mercury. Results and Discussion: The analysis made it possible to discern exposure to certain chemical substances and, on the other hand, presented and discussed the contribution of a science and an industry that generates useful substances with few adverse effects, as well as being harmless to health, that consider the criteria of prevention, by avoiding acute, oral and inhalation toxicity, thus avoiding chronic toxicity. Research Implications: Pointed out the need to comply with the principles of Chemistry for Sustainability with the aim of analyzing the mutagenic and carcinogenic capacity of substances in order to prevent them; identifying the degree of toxicity of the substance when it is discarded in water or on land and knowing the potential for degradation for the planet. Originality/Value: The scientific significance of this work moves in the direction of achieving a science geared towards sustainable development.