Chemicals are an important aspect in our economy and serves with many uses. However, when chemicals are not properly used they can create a problem with global security. There is the threat of chemical spills and also a possible use by terrorists. Many chemicals are stored and processed at numerous facilities. If terrorists were to attack any chemical plants in the United States it would kill more than 2 million people.

There is also a long-term threat of contamination that will affect both people and the environment. These chemicals can contaminate the water and cause many illnesses to people. In 1962, Rachel Carson informed the public about the horrible effects that DDT had on the environment and health problems of humans. But it took 10 years for the United States to ban this compound.

But not all chemicals pose a security threat. To reduce the use of chemicals facilities are required to provide the public with annual chemical releases. This has allowed our society to force these facilities to use these chemicals better and safer. The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants came into effect in May 2004. This treaty would ban or restrict the production and use of 12 hazardous chemicals.

There will always be an abundance of chemicals but their use needs to be lowered to make them less of a threat.