Los Angeles Times
City Officials Fall for Internet Hoax
By William Wan
March 13, 2004 12 AM PT
Times Staff Writer
In large quantities, dihydrogen monoxide can cause medical problems in humans and even destroy property. But in Aliso Viejo, it’s only causing red faces.
Officials of the south Orange County city were embarrassed to learn Friday that they had tripped over an Internet hoax about dihydrogen monoxide -- commonly known as water -- in an effort to be environmentally correct.
A proposed law that was scheduled to go before the City Council next week would have banned foam cups and containers at events requiring city permits. A staff report cited environmental concerns, including the danger posed by dihydrogen monoxide, described as a chemical used in production of the plastic that can “threaten human health and safety.”
“It’s embarrassing,” said City Manager David J. Norman. “We had a paralegal who did bad research.”