DHMO is an oderless, colorless, and flavorless chemical dangerous in all three forms. In its gaseous form, its vapors may cause intense burns, up to and including the third-degree. Its solid form causes tissue damage and cellular death within minutes of contact. In its liquid form, inhalation often causes death; ingestion symptoms include excessive urination, increased sweating, and when purified, cellular damage from unintended electrolyte transfer.

Traces of DMHO have been discovered in every major body of water between the Pacific and the Atlantic. Despite its dangers, DHMO is still commonly used as an industrial solvent and coolant, a fire retardant, and in many manufacturing processes used to produce plastics and energy in coal plants. 

Dihydrogen monoxide is an all-too-common chemical that poses far too many unrecognized dangers in the same vein of asbestos and radium. Let us hope that it will soon go the way of the latter. You can help! Join the Alliance to Ban Dihydrogen Monoxide today by signing this petition!