> In the case of the chemistry set, I'm buying something I know can hurt me if I use it wrong.
Chemistry is not a commonly known subject though. For example, I took AP Chemistry in HS and this article is the first time I’ve ever heard of “cobalt chloride”.
We have a social contract that parents teach their kids about common household safety like don’t touch hot things, how to use a knife and don’t shoot your brother with a BB gun. Those things we all know can harm us.
Chemistry just isn’t in that category. Parents aren’t warning their kids from a young age about “cobalt chloride” and to make sure you never ingest it.
Chemistry is not a commonly known subject though. For example, I took AP Chemistry in HS and this article is the first time I’ve ever heard of “cobalt chloride”.
We have a social contract that parents teach their kids about common household safety like don’t touch hot things, how to use a knife and don’t shoot your brother with a BB gun. Those things we all know can harm us.
Chemistry just isn’t in that category. Parents aren’t warning their kids from a young age about “cobalt chloride” and to make sure you never ingest it.