Forum

Recently, researchers discovered that our water supply systems are contaminated with a dangerous chemical. This chemical is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It kills countless people every year. The government has taken no steps to regulate this dangerous contamination. This chemical is called "dihydrogen monoxide."
The chemical is used for the following purposes:
In manufacturing as a solvent and coolant
In nuclear reactors
In the production of foam
In fire extinguishers
In chemical and biological laboratories
In the production of pesticides
In artificial food additives
The chemical is a major component of acid rain
It contributes to soil erosion
It accelerates corrosion and damages most electrical appliances
Prolonged contact with the chemical in its solid form leads to serious skin damage
Contact with the gaseous form of the chemical leads to severe burns
Inhaling even a small amount of the chemical can be fatal
The chemical is found in malignant tumors, abscesses, ulcers, and other painful changes in the body
The chemical causes drug addiction; victims who abstain from consuming the chemical face death within 168 hours
No known cleaner can completely remove this chemical from water
Despite these dangers, the chemical is actively and unpunishedly used in industry. Many corporations receive tons of the chemical daily through specially laid underground pipelines. People working with the chemical generally do not receive special clothing or training. Waste chemical is dumped into rivers and seas by the ton.
We urge the public to be aware and protest against the continued use of this dangerous chemical!

The joke is intended to illustrate how a lack of scientific knowledge and biased analysis can lead to panic.