The Role of Chemistry in Daily Life: Impacts on Health, Nutrition, and Hygiene
Dr. Sangita Katiyar, M.Sc (Chemistry), Ph.D., Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, University, Agra (U.P.)
Published Date: 01 December 2025
Issue: Vol. 1 ★ Issue 1 ★ October - December 2025
Published Paper PDF: Click here

Abstract:

Chemistry plays a central role in shaping daily life by influencing health, nutrition, and hygiene through essential molecular and biochemical processes. In health, chemistry governs metabolic pathways, pharmaceutical actions, and the body’s biochemical balance, enabling diagnosis, therapy, and disease prevention. Understanding chemical interactions within biological systems helps ensure the safety and effectiveness of medicines and provides insight into physiological indicators such as glucose levels and biomarker fluctuations. In nutrition, chemistry explains the structure, function, digestion, and metabolism of macronutrients and micronutrients, while also supporting food preservation, additive safety, and contaminant risk assessment. These principles ensure a safe, balanced, and reliable food supply. Hygiene further relies on chemistry through surfactants, detergents, disinfectants, and waterpurification technologies that control microbial contamination and maintain environmental cleanliness. Chemical mechanisms drive surface cleaning, sterilization, and water-quality assessment, forming the foundation of public health. Together, these domains illustrate chemistry’s interdisciplinary significance in improving quality of life, reducing disease burden, and guiding safer practices at household, community, and industrial levels. Continued research into environmental chemicals, health impacts, and domestic chemical processes remains vital for strengthening global health and sustainability.

Keywords: Chemistry in daily life; Health chemistry; Nutritional chemistry; Hygiene and sanitation; Environmental chemistry; Public health safety.