Yet we now know that lead was poisoning millions of children and permanently damaging their brains.
A study has confirmed that alcohol can cause cancers by permanently damaging stem cell DNA.
It is only a matter of time before we realise that we are permanently damaging our most valuable asset.
When his discoveries and theories met with some skepticism, however, he became obsessive and bitter, permanently damaging his reputation.
And dragged the baby out with forceps, breaking its nose, permanently damaging the sinuses and denting its skull.
In warm water the body's need for oxygen is increased; therefore, the oxygen deprivation caused by immersion is rapidly lethal or permanently damaging to the brain.
Anti-selection groups will argue that the eleven-plus leads to most children being labelled as failures at an early age, thereby permanently damaging their educational progress.
Similarly, the physical disturbance associated with other human uses of high mountains, such as skiing and other forms of recreation, can be permanently damaging.
The longer this oil remains, Mr. Baker said, the more likely the healthy grasses will die and the underlying root system will suffocate, permanently damaging the marsh.
Doubtless our news pages will soon feature protesters fearful of GM crops permanently damaging our fragile ecosystem, while scientists will be frantically trying to convey the benefits.
But the Department of Family and Children Services has yet to reinstate the Craddocks' foster care license, he said, permanently damaging their chances of adopting a child.
