Of War and Peace, and Chemistry

Understanding the dual nature of chemistry and its related scientific discoveries and emerging technologies is central to the effective implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Human history spans thousands of years of chemical misuse in warfare, making chemicals a constant threat to human health and safety, particularly in conflict areas. The need to continuously assess and review new scientific research output and emerging technologies, both for the opportunities and the risks that they can provide, is essential in ensuring that sound and apolitical science advice is provided for policy-making related to chemical disarmament. Education on new knowledge and dissemination, hand-in-hand with developing a “chemical conscience” in our chemical practitioners, will minimize the risks and will aid in upholding the Convention.