Chapter 9

The Disappearing Spoon Chapter 9

Summary

     In this Chapter, it mentions the dangers of certain elements that play a biological role as well as a chemical role to our bodies. One of those elements is Cadmium, it can go into your body and weaken our bones to the point that they break easily. The most major problem that happened with Cadmium is in Japan when they threw all the Cadmium in the ground which led it to the water then into the streams of rice fields that contained zinc which let cadmium get into it. But as dangerous as it is, it also useful for coating batteries and computer parts. Then, there is Thallium which is mostly dangerous and commonly used by serial killers, and assassins to kill their victims.  

     The chapter also talked about David Hahn who was a teenager in Detroit who only wanted to help people but didn't have enough knowledge of chemistry to seriously do something. Although, he did do something but it was extremely risky and dangerous. But sadly David wasn't seen much of a hero but a fool to some and ended working cleaning boats in the navy.  

Reflection

     I enjoyed this chapter because it talked about the dangers of some elements and how it can affect us biologically. Then, there is Bismuth which can live up to be the last element to go extinct which really peaks my interests. I also liked how David Hahn was really resourceful from having nothing but a few household items to work with from a whole nuclear reactor in his backyard shed. That story of David makes me think what would happen if I had those resources and that much time. 

Guideline Questions

1. Cadmium is harmful because it is like a poison, it leeches onto a living organism by replacing Zinc, causing new strange diseases. For example, in Japan it caused people to have weakened bones and have an internal failure on Kidneys. But, Cadmium is helpful because it is too valuable as a coating for batteries and computer parts, to prevent corrosion. Furthermore, it has a long history of use in pigments, tanning agents, and solders. 

2. Thallium's mode of attack is different because it can mimic elements such as Ti+3 or K+ and wriggle into many different biochemical niches. In addition, unlike Cadmium that can only go bones and Kidneys, Thallium can roam like a molecular Mongol horde. In addition, Thallium starts unstitching key amino acid bonds inside proteins. 

3. Thallium is similar to the danger of radioactivity because it is odorless and colorless which can cause lung cancer and have your fall off. 

4. Bismuth is such a unique element because it can live up to be the last element to go extinct and it is really stable. 

5. Thallium can be found in Nature and Americium is found by bombarding plutonium with neutrons in a nuclear reactor.