Poisonous (Explored)

This is a drop of an ethylene glycol emulsion.

 

It is poisonous.

 

It is very likely that you have large quantities of this poison near you every day. It even follows you around on your daily travels. Or more correctly, you take it with you when you drive. It is commonly known as automotive antifreeze.

 

This poison is responsible for three or so human deaths in the U.S. every year. It is responsible for many animal deaths also. Ethylene glycol on its own has a sweet taste, and seems to be attractive to animals. The federal government has recently required that an additive that makes antifreeze taste bitter be added to try to discourage consumption.

 

Originally my idea for this theme was to show antifreeze fluorescing under ultraviolet light. This drop glows a beautiful green when lit with black light. I found out quite by accident that by manipulating the light source, I was able to see the emulsion components within the drop. I felt this was much more appealing.

 

Best viewed large.

 

HMM.

Done