Dihydrogen Monoxide Research Reports Overview The following research reports are provided by the Dihydrogen Monoxide Research Division as an information resource to the general public, educators, elected representatives, community groups, safety advisors, and other researchers. These reports provide a concise summary of polling and survey results and related research findings regarding Dihydrogen Monoxide from investigators all over the world! Please Participate! We welcome your survey results and experimental findings as well! If your organization or educational institution, or even you as a private citizen, would like to be involved in this exciting and important cause, we invite you to conduct your own research and submit your findings to us via email at research_at_dhmo_dot_org . We will post your results here on our web site for the world to see! Surveying Tips & Guidelines: Inform participants of some of the dangers of DHMO. Try to remain impartial so you do not unduly influence those questioned. You may even have them view our main web site or the Dihydrogen Monoxide FAQ.

participants of some of the dangers of DHMO. Try to remain impartial so you do not unduly influence those questioned. You may even have them view our main web site or the Dihydrogen Monoxide FAQ. Ask whether they would be for or against a ban of DHMO. Or you can collect signatures on a petition.

whether they would be for or against a ban of DHMO. Or you can collect signatures on a petition. Track all responses, whether for, against or undecided, as you survey as many people as you can. The larger your sample, the more valid your findings.

all responses, whether for, against or undecided, as you survey as many people as you can. The larger your sample, the more valid your findings. Send us your report when you are done, including the title and date of your report, total number surveyed, number of responses for, against, or undecided, the name of your school or organization, the names of all researchers involved, one or more email addresses where we can contact you, and any other interesting information or results. Send your report to us at research_at_dhmo_dot_org . Research Materials If you'd like to conduct a survey but need the materials or just a hand getting started, we recommend our DHMO Educator's Kit. The kit contains all you need to set-up and supervise a petition drive and other experiments. You'll find it in our Online Store . Survey Reports The following reports are listed in reverse chronological order, with the most recent results appearing first. Report: 120508 Title: The Westlake Experiment Organization: AP Statistics course

Westlake High School

Westlake Village, CA Researchers: Tony Jin

Jesse Hu Date: December 3-5, 2008 Results: This landmark study, "The Westlake Experiment: A Student Survey to Ban DHMO" was part of a project for an AP Statistics course. A total of 379 students were surveyed using a questionnaire form that gave one of three questions and asked for room/teacher and grade level. 15 of the surveyed students refused to respond, so 364 responses were gathered. Here are the results: Question 1 (Control). Should the substance DHMO be banned in the United States? Total people surveyed 118 100% Yes (in favor of ban) 40 34% No (opposing a ban) 78 66% Question 2 (Given information supporting a ban). Recent scientific evidence has shown the substance DHMO to be extremely dangerous to life. It is known to be a major component of acid rain and an important cause of erosion. Nationwide, thousands of deaths are attributed to DHMO every year. Historically, DHMO has been used in Nazi death camps as well as prisons in Turkey, Serbia, Croatia, Libya, Iraq, and Iran. Despite overwhelming evidence of DHMO's detrimental effects, people continue to be exposed to it, even in so-called "organic" and "natural" foods. Should DHMO be banned in the United States? Total people surveyed 126 100% Yes (in favor of ban) 79 63% No (opposing a ban) 47 37% Question 3 (Given information on the opposing side). DHMO is a naturally occurring substance that is highly beneficial to life as it helps maintain ecological balance. In addition, it creates thousands of jobs and generates billions of dollars of revenue. Despite overwhelming evidence, some people still want us to get rid of DHMO. DHMO does not cause adverse effects; in a recent survey, more than 90% of those who reported themselves to be "very happy" have had exposure to DHMO. Should DHMO be banned in the United States? Total people surveyed 120 100% Yes (in favor of ban) 33 28% No (opposing a ban) 87 72% Discussion

This makes for a total of 152 "yes" responses favoring a ban of Dihydrogen Monoxide, or 41.8% of the survey participants. Compared to other studies in the past, the results of the "Westlake Experiment" were much more undecided.



Question 2 clearly slants the question in favor of "yes," but the difference caused by Question 3 was slight (though still statistically significant).



Since the students were stratified by grade, we also noticed that freshmen (51.4% yes) were more likely to ban DHMO than sophomores (44.1% yes), who were then more likely than juniors (35.8% yes) and seniors (38.6%). Some of the dissenters have cited learning the supposed benefits of DHMO in their chemistry classes. It is also noteworthy that, despite being given so many of the benefits of DHMO, 33 students remained in favor of a ban of DHMO.



Data from this survey is available in an Excel spreadsheet. Report: 112508 Title: The Montezuma Dihydrogen Monoxide Study Organization: Mrs. Collins’ class

Macon County High School

Montezuma, GA Researchers: Berneka Cochran

Cornelius Coleman

Nicole Collins

Quanedra English

Ashley Felton

Jaquiez Harris

Jacquenesia Jackson

Xzavia James

Kha-yen Le

Brianna Nedd-Rice

Kimberly Ortega

Kanedra Sanders

Chazmine Tookes

Stephanie Tran

Crystal Walters Date: November 17-24, 2008 Results: The largest study of its kind to date was undertaken by researchers in Montezuma, Georgia in November, 2008. A total of 317 people were surveyed and asked to sign a petition, with the results as follows:

Total people surveyed 317 100% Signed petition favoring a ban 150 47% Signed petition opposing a ban 167 53% Did not sign petition 0 0% Commentary

In this extensive survey of 317 subjects, the counter-intuitive result of a majority actually opposing a ban of DHMO was noted. Researchers feel that the educational system may be to blame for these results, while others feel that potentially it is a variation on Montezuma's Revenge. The study concluded that Dihydrogen Monoxide may be more critical in human's lives that is believed by some, so researchers are recommending that it not be banned at this time, at least until further studies can be conducted. Report: 021308 Title: Petition to Ban the Use of Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO) Organization: IB TOK

Hoover High School

Hoover, AL Researchers: Ryan Serrano Date: February 6-13, 2008 Results: Total of 62 people were surveyed, with results:

Total people surveyed 62 100% Signed petition proposing a ban 56 90% Did not sign petition (opposed ban) 4 6% Did not sign petition (opposed petitions) 2 3% Format

Research was conducted as the basis for a project on knowledge issues which was later presented to the class. Participants were chosen at random from Hoover High School and a nearby neighborhood. Participants were given a brief summary of data taken directly from the DHMO.org website and then asked if they would sign a petition in support of a ban. Other

All four of the dissenters cited chemistry classes they have taken as the reason for their opposition to a ban. This suggests a conclusion that is quite startling: perhaps chemistry classes are being taught in such a way as to bias students towards DHMO. Thankfully, as the data shows, most people either do not take such courses or do not pay much attention in them. Report: 05080 7 Title: Student Survey on DHMO Organization: Charlestown Middle School

7th Grade Science

Charlestown, IN Researchers: Justin Snelling (7th/8th Science Teacher) Date: May 8, 2007 Results: Survey was conducted as part of 7th Grade Science. Students were surveyed to determine how many were in favor of or opposed to a ban of DHMO. Voting was tabulated and a report filed on May 8, 2007. Survey responses are:

Total people surveyed 43 100% Favor ban 32 74% Oppose ban 11 26% Undecided 0 0% Students participating in the survey have subsequently reversed their ban of DHMO, recognizing the ambiguity of its potential dangers vs. perceived benefits. Report: 103106 Title: Global Science course DHMO survey Organization: Islesboro Central School

Islesboro, ME Researchers: Sandra Kirby (6-12 Science Teacher) Date: October 31, 2006 Results: Survey was completed as part of a Global Science course. Students took turns presenting information from the DHMO.org website. Once all presentations were complete, they were permitted to ask questions and we would refer back to the website for answers. At the end of the question and answer session, students were asked to vote in favor or against a ban of DHMO. The voting was completed on October 31, 2006, with over 70% voting in favor of a ban. Survey responses are:

Total people surveyed 17 100% Favoring ban 12 71% Against ban 5 29% Undecided 0 0% Students participating in the survey have subsequently reversed their ban of DHMO, recognizing the ambiguity of its potential dangers vs. perceived benefits. Report: 040405 Title: Student Survey on DHMO Organization: St. Jerome School

Phoenix, Arizona Researchers: Reynard Perrin Date: April 4, 2005 Results: This student survey was given to 50 students to see how they would react. They were given a list of the dangers, uses, an places you could find DHMO. Over 3/4 of the students voted in favor of the ban. Survey responses are:

Total people surveyed 50 100% Favoring ban 39 78% Against ban 7 14% Undecided 4 8% Report: 030004 Title: To Ban or Not to Ban Organization: Pre-AP Research Team

9th & 10th grade campus

Eagle Pass High School

Eagle Pass, TX Researchers: Miss Williams

Pre-AP students Date: March 2004 Results: Research performed as part of the pre-ap biology and pre-ap integrated physics and chemistry (IPC) course work. Researchers, lead by Miss Williams, polled members of the school and surrounding community, who completed a brief questionnaire. Questionnaire responses are:

Total people surveyed 518 100% Ban Dihydrogen Monoxide 319 62% Do not ban Dihydrogen Monoxide 109 21% Undecided about ban 90 17% Perhaps most surprising is the unusually low proportion of those in favor of a ban. Historically, studies which explore the public's desire to support a ban of DHMO produce 80-90% in favor of a ban. These results are still being analyzed, and some have proposed that an unusually high rate of information literacy may have biased the results. Report: 101400 Title: Survey to ban DHMO Organization: Claudia Landeen School

Stockton, California Researchers: Errol Reilly Date: October 6-13, 2000 Results: Student survey conducted over one week period, gathered opinions from a varied sample of subjects, distributed as follows: 90% over age 18, 10% under age 18. Survey questions were designed by student researchers, and all polling was conducted by these researchers. Questionnaire responses are:

Total people surveyed 228 100% Ban Dihydrogen Monoxide 224 98.3% Do not ban Dihydrogen Monoxide 3 1.3% Undecided about ban 1 0.4% Report: 90700 Title: Notre Dame DHMO Study Organization: General Chemistry class

Dept. of Chemistry & Biochemistry

University of Notre Dame

South Bend, Indiana Researchers: Jerry T. Godbout, Ph.D.

Steve Carroll Date: September 2000 Results: Survey conducted as part of Gen Chem 1 class at the University of Notre Dame, revealed that a general ban of DHMO is supported by a majority of students. After hearing about Dihydrogen Monoxide, including performing online research, respondents were asked whether or not they would support a ban of DHMO. The results of the survey are:

Should Dihydrogen Monoxide be banned? Fall 2000 Support ban of DHMO 59% Against ban of DHMO 41% Undecided or no opinion 0% A previous Notre Dame study conducted as part of a Gen Chem 2 class in Spring 2000, resulted in the following opinions: Should Dihydrogen Monoxide be banned? Spring 2000 Support ban of DHMO 86% Against ban of DHMO 14% Undecided or no opinion 0% Survey conditions were informal, and further follow-up studies are planned. Report: 71399 Title: Campaign to Ban Dihydrogen Monoxide in Chemistry Laboratories Organization: The High School of Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland Researchers: Bobby Dickson, Guy Sanderson, Margaret White, Tracy Hickman, David Cooper, Lee Dickson Date: March/April 1999 Results: This campaign collected 341 signatures calling for a full ban on the use of Dihydrogen Monoxide in the school's chemistry laboratories. In certain groups, 64% signed the petition without a second thought, whereas in another group, nearly 61% were actually against the ban. Some notable results of the campaign are: 45% of the teachers polled were in favor of the ban, although those asked to fill in questionnaire were less likely than those surveyed verbally to be in favor of the ban.

The parent of one pupil felt strongly enough about the matter to write a letter supporting the ban, not wanting her child or anyone else's children to be exposed to the harmful substance.

12-18 year-old female students were most likely to "stand up for their rights" and sign the petition, among those surveyed. Overall, the researchers found that easily 50% of those polled where swayed, at least initially, by previous opinions gathered. Report: 031599 Title: Petition to Ban Dihydrogen Monoxide Organization: Fischer & Associates Researchers: Robert Fischer Date: March 1999 Results: This on-going online petition collected over 50 signatures in short time. The web-based petition describes a number of the potential dangers and damaging properties of Dihydrogen Monoxide. The site offers an easy fill-in form interface to register your support. Currently, no statistics are kept for opposing views. Report: 120598 Title: Ban Dihydrogen Monoxide Petition Organization: Leyada - Hebrew University Secondary School

Israel Researchers: Nir Soffer Date: October 1998 Results: This online petition has gathered a total of 205 responses. The results may provide insight into the Israeli perspective on the Dihydrogen Monoxide debate. Most notably, a majority (54%) are against a ban of DHMO, in contrast to the typical result in the U.S. of a significant majority (over 80%) being in favor of a ban. These results could indicate a different level of knowledge about Dihydrogen Monoxide in Israel, or it could mean that public perception there is that Dihydrogen Monoxide is less of a danger. It is known that there are areas of Israel that have relatively low levels of DHMO. The petition lists 16 consequences or dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide, providing participants with three choices of a response:

Total people surveyed 205 Signed in favor of ban of DHMO 85 Against ban of DHMO 110 Undecided or no opinion 10 Report: 101298 Title: Should Dihydrogen Monoxide be Banned? Organization: Chatham, Ontario Researchers: Chatham Residents Date: September 1998 Results: This follow-up to the pilot study compared results of a small sample (50) of Canadian residents with early results from the U.S. Researchers conducted a door-to-door survey, providing the following information to each: Dihydrogen Monoxide is found in all forms of cancer, it is a major component of acid rain, if it is inhaled in its natural state it is often fatal, in gaseous form it causes severe burns. Those in favor of a ban were asked to sign a petition. Survey results are: Total people surveyed 50 Signed in favor of ban of DHMO 44 Against ban of DHMO 5 Refused to sign petition 1 These results may suggest that the Canadian population is similarly inclined to be wary of DHMO as the U.S. population is. This study suggests that more research is warranted. Report: 060198 Title: In Support of a Ban of DHMO Organization: Eagle Rock Junior High School

Idaho Falls, Idaho Researchers: Nathan Zohner Date: April 1998 Results: This pilot survey was conducted to test possible public support of a ban on DHMO. Participants were provided with a short list of the harmful nature of DHMO. Signers of a petition were in favor of strict control or total elimination of this chemical. Petition statistics break down as follows: Total people surveyed 50 In favor of ban of DHMO 43 Against ban of DHMO 1 Uncommitted 6 Results indicate strong public support may be likely in favor of a ban of DHMO, and more extensive polling should be conducted to raise public awareness. Back to DMRD main page Copyright © by Tom Way