The following three infographics demonstrate how chemicals that may seem very similar at first glance actually have very different structures, uses and safety profiles. Click on the links below to learn more.

Similar, but Different

All berries are not the same – while strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are a delicious, healthy snack, holly berries are poisonous and dangerous to eat.

Just like berries, chemicals that seem similar can have vastly different structures, uses and health and environment profiles. See how chemical families are like berries. 

Myths vs Facts about Chemical Families

There can be significant differences among the many compounds that are part of a chemical “family.”

Banning or restricting entire chemical families may eliminate the achievements that individual chemicals within these families can make possible. Learn the potential consequences of banning entire family groups. 

Chemicals Are Unique

Each chemical in a family has its own distinct characteristics. For example, diamonds, charcoal and graphite are all forms of carbon, but have different properties.

A one-size-fits-all approach to regulate an entire class of chemicals may not account for significant differences among the many compounds that are part of a chemical “family.” See how chemicals in the same chemical group are related but still vastly different.