CHEMISTRY
How can your knowledge of organic chemistry help you during this time of pandemic?
As the recent COVID-19 pandemic continues to sweep through the global population, it
poses a major threat to the lives and the system of the public. With two hundred countries
reportedly affected by the virus, it permanently marked a huge setback and pressure for the already
overburdened health department. The limited health workers combined with the shortage of
essential medical supplies resulted to an earlier loss of lives. In support of the current coronavirus
crisis, solidarity efforts and substantial assistance have been supplied by many professionals, for
instance by chemists or chemical engineers. Their support in slowing down the virus has been
proven vital by the society as the infection rates are flattened. In this account, I shall explore the
importance of knowledge in organic chemistry within the threat of the pandemic.
Organic chemistry is more than just a simple study of carbon or chemicals in living
organisms. Mostly called as a” central science” since it connects other branches of sciences to each
other, knowledge in chemistry helps me understand certain phenomena and events; coronavirus is
no exception for this matter. Why do certain drugs inhibit the virus? How are plasma used for
treating the infected? These simple questions and inquiries can mostly be answered by the
application of knowledge in chemistry. Common misconceptions and fallacies can also be
corrected for more accurate information about the topic. As I progress with more knowledge about
the matter, I can conveniently contribute to bigger platforms of information.
Within the context of the pandemic threat, safety regulations and measures are
implemented to prevent contagion and transmission of the virus. Social distancing is practiced as
the public take solace to mass media to express their concerns and inquiries. While coming into
terms of the scale of the coronavirus threat, confusion and alarm reigns about the actions of the
public online. The reliability and relevance of articles posted on the internet are questioned and
ridiculed, with netizens complaining about the authenticity of the facts uttered and delivered by
health and data experts. The uptick of fake news and reports was also noteworthy. Many articles
mention specific products or brands that can slow down or cure the infection. However, basic
knowledge of organic chemistry can help me read and understand product labels concerning the
said claims. Is this product really effective as stated or is it a scam? Chemistry can help separate
rational expectations from fictitious claims. It helps me form informed decisions based on the
evidence supported and tested by professionals.
The increasing demand for hand sanitizers and alcohol caused considerable shortages in
local community stores. Prices are scaling up as products are consumed by the wary costumers
wanting to avoid catching the virus. Bulk-buying is prevalent and late shoppers are left with
minimal to no supplies at all. Hospitals and health institutions are stretching their resources as
supplies run thin with the trudging of days. As such, alternative strategies were considered for the
current predicament. This involves the use of previous knowledge in organic chemistry to produce
disinfectants using conventional materials at home. Based on my previous lectures about chemical
reactions, it is possible to manufacture a home-produced disinfectant that could cut down cost
while also serving its intended purpose. I’ll be able to know which household chemicals are
