9. The Future

The quotation featured on the OPCW web site – “Determined for the sake of all mankind, to exclude completely the possibility of the use of chemical weapons...” – makes a powerful statement to end this blot on the impressive record of chemistry’s contributions to mankind. The work of OPCW, together with individual national efforts, has minimized the spread of potential chemical weapons, but there will always remain the possibility of new discoveries that might lead to the emergence of new generations of chemical weapons, and there will always remain the possibility of small amounts of chemicals being diverted by terrorists to unsavory uses.  
 
We believe that an improved understanding of chemical weapons disarmament, and of the individual ethical responsibilities of everyone using chemicals, can significantly augment these national and international efforts.