New natural processes

In recent decades we have not only been using the materials provided by the earth, but making new matter new elements (by nuclear fission) and new chemicals (by organic synthesis). This new matter takes part in the processes of the earth it enters our bodies, soils, the water and air, where it interacts with the natural chemicals it encounters, transforming them and itself. Its novelty means that the processes in which it takes part can be considered to be new natural processes (Arendt, 1968, p58). The complexity of the environments in which these take place means that there is great uncertainty as to their outcomes. 

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