Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford The Inventor Who Almost Ended the World
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Nov 11, 2022 Dive into the life of Thomas Midgley Jr., a pioneer whose innovations brought both convenience and catastrophe. Learn how his work with leaded gasoline and CFCs led to severe environmental damage, including ozone layer depletion. Discover the intense battle scientists faced against corporate interests to expose these dangers. The narrative highlights the irony of Midgley's groundbreaking contributions, which, rather than benefiting humanity, may have endangered it. A fascinating exploration of innovation's hidden costs awaits!
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The Invention of Freon
- Thomas Midgley, tasked with finding a safe refrigerant, invented Freon (CFCs).
- This seemingly harmless chemical revolutionized refrigeration and aerosols, marking a significant advancement in consumer convenience.
CFCs: An Unforeseen Threat
- CFCs, initially deemed safe, were later discovered to be a threat to the ozone layer.
- Molina and Rowland's calculations revealed CFC's potential to deplete the ozone layer, posing a global threat.
Midgley's Tragic End
- Thomas Midgley's inventions had unforeseen consequences, including his own death.
- He died from a self-designed rope-and-pulley system meant to assist him due to polio.
