Water
H2O
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Not only is it necessary to keep our bodies alive, water allows for proper hygiene, cooking and washing food, and keeping crops alive.
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Penicillin
R-C9H11N2O4S
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Discovered in 1928, penicillin kills germs that infect the body, and is estimated to have saved 200 million lives and counting.
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Salt
NaCl
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Salt preserves food, allowing our ancestors to store food for the future. Also an important ingredient in many products such as soap and paper.
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Potassium Nitrate
KNO3
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This is the key ingredient in gunpowder. It was first used in the 13th century in cannons and changed the face of warfare, making it arguably the single most important chemical in history books.
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Aspirin
C9H8O4
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Most widely used drug in the world, treats a wide variety of problems - fevers, arthritis, and prevents heart attacks, stroke, and dementia.
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Sodium Stearate
NaC18H35O2
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This is the active ingredient in soap. It works by helping oil dissolve in water. Good hygiene is important to prevent the spread of disease.
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Silicon
Si
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Silicon is a key component of computer chips and circuits. It is also used in solar cells, waterproofing seals, and explosives.
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Polyethylene
(C2H4)N
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The most abundant plastic in the world, polyethylene is used in grocery bags, plastic bottles, and artificial joints.
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DDT
C14H9Cl5
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In the mid 1900's, DDT was used to kill mosquitoes that cause malaria and saved 25 million lives. Research eventually showed DDT poisons humans, animals, and the environment. It has since been banned.
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Morphine
C17H19NO3
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Morphine is a very strong painkiller used to minimize severe pain. Heroin is an illegal form of morphine.
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Ammonia
NH3
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Important fertilizer for crops and an ingredient in explosives.
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Iron
Fe
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A key component of carts, trains, planes, ships, appliances, and computers.
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Ethanol
C2H6O
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Alcohol is the main component of drinks that cause intoxication. Worldwide, consumption of alcohol is a large risk factor for disease.
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Sulfuric Acid
H2SO4
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Sulfuric acid is used in mining, steel production, oil refining, and the manufacture of fertilizers, detergents, and plastics.
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