With respect to science and scientists…

Dear readers,

Derya Yıldız

I want to start this month’s article by talking about a scientist who has made very important contributions to our lives: Clair Cameron Patterson…

CC Patterson, who was born in the US state of Iowa on June 2, 1922, is known for his works on chemistry and geology, or more commonly known as geochemistry. C. Patterson, who also took part in the Manhattan Project, where atomic bombs were invented and played a major role in the ending of World War II, is the first scientist to precisely calculate the age of the world.

But what I want to focus on today is CC Patterson’s fight against lead. When Patterson studies lead to calculate the age of the world, he makes a very important discovery: “Lead used in oil causes massive lead contamination in the world”.

Following this finding, Patterson publishes many pieces of research and articles to draw the attention of the petroleum and chemical industries to the subject. But the oil industry resists these facts for many years and vehemently rejects the facts that Patterson identified.

This struggle lasts for about 20 years, and after countless scientific researches, decision-makers finally begin to accept the facts that are obvious and take the necessary steps. As a result of Patterson’s persistent works, the amount of lead in gasoline was first reduced to 60% in 1973 and completely removed in 1987. The use of lead in many other industries is also prohibited.

After these prohibitions, it is determined that the amount of lead in nature has decreased by 7.5 times in repeated measurements in 1991.

Of course, this story has a lot of details, but it is not possible to convey all from here. But the truth is that Patterson has made an invaluable contribution to the wellbeing of each of us.

As for why I am telling about this scientific struggle: With the fourth issue of Feed & Additive, which we published this month, I have had the opportunity to see more sensitivities in the food, feed, and livestock industries such as sustainable production, environmental problems, animal welfare, food/feed safety, etc.

I believe it is invaluable that these topics are embraced so intensely and that prominent representatives of the industry themselves seek science-backed solutions. Because ignoring concerns, warnings, and scientific facts will hurt the industry the most.

I think the most important investment to be made for the future is to sincerely evaluate the thesis/scientific data put forward, to research, and to develop alternatives if necessary.

It should not be forgotten that

Truths have a habit of surfacing sooner or later.

Hope to meet you in the next issue…