Final answer:
The statement that chemical engineers focus on process integrity, economics, and efficiency is true, but their responsibility also includes process safety, contrary to the notion that it's the concern of other engineers exclusively. Chemical engineers apply principles of green chemistry and safety in their work and also address environmental and health considerations in various industries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that chemical engineers are primarily concerned with process integrity, economics, and efficiency is true; however, the second part of the claim is false. Chemical engineers are also significantly concerned with process safety. The work of chemical engineers involves applying principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to design and operate facilities for the production and use of chemicals and biochemicals. They must consider all aspects including how the manufacturing process affects the environment and the safety of workers and consumers. Process safety is integral to their role, and they must address issues that arise from the processes they oversee, such as the development of desalinization plants, semiconductor processing equipment, and even the production of pharmaceuticals like artificial skin and antibiotics.
Green chemistry principles also guide chemical engineers to design products and processes that minimize environmental harm and potential accidents. They aim to create systems that maximize the efficiency of syntheses (referred to as atom economy) and minimize hazardous substance use and waste generation. Moreover, modern chemical engineering education ensures that engineers have a comprehensive understanding of these safety concerns, often discussing risk assessment and accident prevention in their curriculum. Companies like Dow, DuPont, Motorola, and Monsanto hire chemical engineers with this well-rounded expertise.
Additionally, the work of thermodynamics engineers in fields such as aerospace, chemical manufacturing, and power plants signifies the breadth of engineering responsibilities that extend into safety, environmental impact, and sustainability. It is indeed a myth that engineers' roles are purely technical without due consideration for nontechnical issues such as social impact, economics, and safety which are critical for the success of engineering projects.