Something is wrong. My labels don’t add up. I read the NZ Ministry for the Environment booklet again.. “Scientists tell us that air has: 21% oxygen + 78% nitrogen+ O.1%-2% water vapour in the air and as clouds+0.036% carbon dioxide (CO2) + tiny amounts of other gases, including methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Wait! That’s over 101%. And they have missed out the “Miracle Gas” altogether.

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Argon constitutes about 0.94% of the atmosphere -  a greater component  than all the Trace Gases combined (0.1%) It retains minimal thermal energy and this amplifies the leverage and impact of the traces gases that do retain the thermal energy required for life to exist, as we know it, on Earth.

Argont is inexpensive, nonreactive, clear and odourless and performs many very valuable roles in our lives. Its intelligent use, for instance, in lighting and in double glazing can make an important contribution to the conservation of  our vital carbon balances and resources. As such it has important roles to play in mitigating the impact of human activities on our climate.

 Some of its uses are as an insulating gas in double glazing , electric light bulbs and flurorescent tubes, flow tubes, glow tubes, welding and cutting, a protective barrier for volatile (explosive) substances,  providing a protective atmosphere for growing silicon and germanium crystals.

Such omissions for political reasons destroy science in our communities.

Chapter Six - Land of the Lost Trace Gases - Dancing Tiny with the Air.       

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