Dihydrogen Monoxide

In 1997, a survey conducted by a middle school student in Idaho attracted attention. He created a petition to "ban the use of dihydrogen monoxide (DHMO)," explained the dangers of DHMO on the street, and collected signatures.

His appeal was as follows:

“DHMO is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. And it kills countless people every year. Most deaths are caused by the accidental inhalation of DHMO.
DHMO has been found in almost every river, lake, and reservoir in the United States. Not only that, but DHMO contamination is worldwide and has even been found in Antarctic ice. The U.S. government refuses to ban the production and distribution of this substance. It is not too late! We must act now to prevent further contamination!”
It is said that he obtained signatures from 43 out of 50 passersby. Many people agreed to ban the use of dihydrogen monoxide.


...And have you noticed by now?

DHMO is water (H2O). Since a water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, it is dihydrogen monoxide. What the student wanted to convey with this survey was that "science education should be more enriched at all levels." People are easily deceived just by giving something a scary-sounding name. Anyone with knowledge would immediately realize that this story is a joke.