Includes bibliographical references (p. 229-239) and index.

There's something in the air -- Swimmers, hoppers, and fliers -- Laboratory curiosities and chemical unknowns -- The polycarbonate problem -- Plasticizers : health risks or fifty years of denial of data? -- The persistent and pernicious -- Out of the frying pan -- Nanotechnology : perils and promise of the infinitesimal -- Material consequences : toward a greening of chemistry -- Epilogue : Redesigning the future -- Appendix : Principles of green chemistry and molecular design pyramid questions. In Chasing Molecules, investigative journalist Elizabeth Grossman opens the door on a new world of chemistry-green chemistry - and the scientists who are unearthing the field's potential to transform manufacturing with unprecedented benefits to the corporate bottom line and our health. She finds that a revolution is brewing, and its rallying call is "benign by design." These scientists are creating new, non-toxic materials that work with natural systems instead of disrupting them. Traveling the world to see this cutting-edge science at work, Grossman gives us a first look at the next "big idea" in industrial technology, along with the passion, excitement, and hope on the front lines of innovation.