Desk
Information technology relies on chemicals, from the outer casing of your personal computer which is made of rigid ABS plastic, with numerous internal components using thermosetting resins and polymers such as polyethylene, to the silicon which plays a vital part in the silicon chips essential for the electronic functions, and the silicones used in protecting many components. The ink in the printer cartridge is specially formulated to give clear printing and quick drying of all colour options. The telecommunications links for using the internet increasingly make use of optical fibres. The calculator display relies on liquid crystals.

Toys
Many toys are moulded from polypropylene or PVC, with the latter incorporating phthalates for softness and pliability. Bright colours are provided by the use of pigments. Soft toys make use of synthetic fibres such as acrylics.

Bed
A good night's sleep depends on the flexible polyurethane foam of the bed's mattress and soft padding, which is made safer by the incorporation of fire retardants. The bed linen may be of natural fibres such as cotton and wool, or synthetics like nylon and acrylics.

Walls
The smooth surface of the interior walls comes from the expert application of wet plaster. The walls are coated with emulsion paint, with a variety of colour options available from a range of pigments.

Wardrobe
How many chemicals are crammed in your wardrobe? Modern clothing is made from a range of natural and synthetic fibres, with colours provided by dyestuffs appropriate to each fibre type. Most items are kept clean and fresh with detergents and fabric conditioners, while some are sent for dry cleaning. The wardrobe also contains shoes in leather and polyurethanes, employing modern adhesives.

Floor
The fitted bedroom carpet is of mixed fibres of wool and acrylic or polyester. The carpet's backing includes tough polypropylene fibre, and foam rubber is used in the underlay.