In "The Road to Little Dribbling," Bill Bryson highlights the staggering number of chemicals currently in use in developed countries, which exceeds 82,000. This alarming figure raises concerns about safety and public health since a significant majority of these substances, approximately 86 percent, have not undergone testing to assess their potential effects on humans.

This lack of testing poses serious risks, as the long-term consequences of these chemicals remain unknown. Bryson's observations underscore the urgent need for regulatory measures and thorough investigations to protect individuals and the environment from potentially harmful substances.