Name:________________________________SNC1D Canadian Scientist: Chem. Unit

Ontario’s Chemical Industry and ResearchOntario is a world leader in developing new chemicals and new plasticproducts. Eight of the 10 largest chemical companies in the worldoperate in Ontario. Our chemical companies are centred in three majorregions of the province: the Greater Toronto area, Ontario East, andSarnia (Figure 4.1). Chemical manufacturing in Ontario is theprovince’s third-largest manufacturing industry. In 2008, Ontario’schemical industry employed over 50 000 people and produced productsworth over $22 billion.An important part of the chemical industry is the manufacture ofplastic and plastic products. Ontario’s plastic manufacturing industryemploys over 80 000 people and has annual sales of over $18 billion.Consider your own connection to plastic. On a typical day, you likelyuse several of the following products that involve plastic somewhere intheir manufacture: music players, televisions, carpeting, paints and dyes(on walls, pencils, table tops), clothing (made from plastic fibres such aspolyester, rayon, and nylon), packaging materials (plastic wrap

including food wrap), and cell phones (see image, right).

Chemistry researchers employed by industry, universities, or thegovernment look for new ways to solve everyday problems, includingenvironmental issues. For example, scientists at the National ResearchCouncil of Canada Institute for Research in Construction, situated inOttawa, are investigating ways that we can reduce or prevent concreteroads, bridges, and other structures from corroding. Dr. E.K. Yanful atthe University of Western Ontario in London is one of many scientistsstudying new methods to reduce the environmental impact of the wastefrom mining operations (Figure 4.3).The chemical industry is responsible for ensuring that itmanufactures products and deals with wastes in a responsible andenvironmentally friendly manner. Just as we recycle household itemsthat were once considered waste, chemical industries now try to finduses for the different by-products of their processes rather than simplydisposing of them. Companies and government agencies carry out monitoring toensure that nothing hazardous escapes or is released frommanufacturing sites. By gradually raising standards and awarenessamong chemical producers and communities, we have greatly decreasedthe negative impacts of industrial production.

1) Give three examples of plastic you use every day not listed in the article.

2) Outline two negative aspects of plastic production.3) What does Dr. Yanful do for his job? 4) What is an engineer?5) How does being a civil engineer assist in his work?6) How does being an environmental engineer assist in his job?

Figure 4.3 Dr. E.K. Yanful (P.Eng.) is associate director of the Geotechnical Research Centre and professor and chair of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Western Ontario.

Close to 40 percent of Canada’s chemical companies are located in the Chemical Valley near Sarnia, ON.