Great Fear of Small Amounts of Elements—The Significance of Analytical Chemistry in our Modern Industrialized Community as Exemplified by Trace Element Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Analytical chemistry is consolidating an important position within the framework of our modern industrial community; the frontiers of trace (and ultra‐trace) analysis have expanded into new territories, thus demanding a constant change in our mode of thinking in a substance‐related manner in analytical chemistry. An outline of the development of analytical chemistry during this century reveals a period of underdeveloped research and education followed by a current phase of impetuous advancement. However, as a result of increasingly antagonistic sectional convictions in the public mind concerning reservations against, as well as efforts towards, efficient technological progress, this advancement evokes new existential risks for analytical chemistry—viz. either to be used in an uncritical way or to fall into discredit following slogans like ‘high‐performance analytical chemistry is to blame for it all!’ A much more constructive consideration says that risks can be estimated and evaluated solely by means of a highly efficient analytical chemistry, when used with a sense of responsibility. Analysts may help to clarify and to cope with the increasing fear of decreasingly smaller amounts of trace elements—in both adverse groups in our community. Strategies necessary to gain this end are outlined with regard to a methodological as well as a political platform.