Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are “forever” chemicals used extensively in electrical equipment before their production was banned in 1977. PCBs, unfortunately, are “forever” chemicals, and despite the production ban, they remain prevalent in today’s air, water, and soil. Scientists around the globe are trying to figure out ways to remove this chemical from air, water, and soil, however, we need support from the public to build PCB awareness. To help reach the public, we wrote a stage play about PCBs to educate the public about the history of PCBs.
Stage plays are a captivating and effective way to build awareness with and convey important information in an engaging way. The stage play narrates the excerpts from Biocidal: Confronting the Poisonous Legacy of PCBs and weaves the history of PCBs with the complexities of human relationships, highlighting the toxic nature of both. Set primarily in the 1920s, the story begins with the ambitious industrialist Theodore and his chemists, who, driven by the promise of wealth and progress, invent PCBs. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear just how dangerous PCBs' are for humans and the environment. The play cleverly parallels the dangers of PCBs with the insidious nature of toxic human relationships, illustrating how both can be alluring initially but ultimately destructive. The play continues with PCBs becoming widespread and revealing how the damaging effects on the environment and human health are mirrored in the deteriorating relationships among the characters. The play is a poignant reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition and the importance of recognizing and addressing toxicity, whether in chemicals or relationships. The play serves as an allegory, urging the audience to consider the long-term impacts of their actions and relationships and to strive for a balance between progress and sustainability. We believe this would be a great starter to communicate the seriousness of these forever chemicals, promoting a safe environment for the living.
Keywords: polychrlorinated biphenyls, PCBs, toxic, forever chemicals, stage play
How to Cite:
Rajaram, S. & Atanda, O. & Hartsgrove Mooers, K. L. & Scherer, M. M., (2024) “Toxic Relationships”, Synthesis: A Digital Journal of Student Science Communication 5(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.17077/2643-8410.33690
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