Background information is provided on the registered trademark "TLV" (Threshold Limit Value), the term used to express tolerable concentrations. The TLV of a compound is an estimate extrapolated from some defined damage to humans or animals at higher concentrations or by drawing analogies between similar concentrations. (JN)

Discusses the relative instability of organic oxidants, citing early attempts at overcoming the solubility limitations in organic reaction systems. Describes the more recent introduction of new types of organic oxidant salts that have demonstrated more promising levels of stability, though unexpected explosions have still occurred. (TW)

Presents a sample contract for disposing of hazardous wastes in an environmentally sound, timely manner in accordance with all federal, state, and local requirements. Addresses situations where hazardous waste must be disposed of outside the laboratory and where alternate disposal methods are not feasible. (JN)

Procedures for recovering silver and cobalt from laboratory wastes (including those resulting from student experiments) are presented. The procedures are generally applicable since only common, inexpensive laboratory reagents are needed. (JN)

Discussed are accidents that occur in the laboratories of highly trained chemists. Four examples are provided to illustrate potential hazards that are often overlooked in chemistry laboratories, molten inorganic salt baths, the reaction of acetone and hydrogen peroxide, halogenated acetylene compounds, and the reaction of hydrogen peroxide and…

Describes procedures for disposing of dichromate cleaning solution, picric acid, organic azides, oxalic acid, chemical spills, and hydroperoxides in ethers and alkenes. These methods have been tested under laboratory conditions and are specific for individual chemicals rather than for groups of chemicals. (JN)

Highlights guidelines that should be implemented in administering a plan for the proper storage of chemicals. They include housing chemicals in multiple locations within a building to lessen the accident potential, not grouping them in alphabetical order, and storing them according to six major chemical classes. (JN)

Presented is an experiment in which students recover almost 90 percent of the original lead chloride thus saving on costs of chemicals and disposal. Included are experimental procedures and a discussion of typical results. (CW)

The goal of many colleges is to make the organic chemistry laboratory completely flameless by using electric heating equipment. Benefits of eliminating the Bunsen burner, electrical heating equipment and accessories, hazards remaining in flameless laboratories, and design standards related to laboratory liability are the major topic areas…

Expresses concern over the dangers in presenting chemical demonstrations at regional and national conventions. Lists the interim minimum guidelines for chemical demonstrations to be required for future meeting sessions of the Division of Chemical Education of the American Chemical Society. (TW)

Outlines a cooperative effort in Iowa to eliminate dangerous or unwanted chemicals from school science storerooms. Also reviews the Council of State Science Supervisor's safety program and discusses how to prevent cuts and punctures from jagged glass tubing. (JN)

Findings from a survey of 20 liberal arts colleges which did not have graduate programs in chemistry are presented. Discussed are regulations, actions taken and costs of academic laboratories regarding the disposal of hazardous waste. (CW)

Chromium(VI) compounds are classified as oxidizers and must be specially packaged and transported for disposal while Cr(III) compounds are considered nonoxidizers. A process which reduces Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by adding sodium metabisulfite followed by neutralization with magnesium hydroxide is explored. (MVL)

Describes simple, efficient techniques for treating hazardous chemicals so that nontoxic and nonhazardous residues are formed. Discusses general rules for management of waste chemicals from school laboratories and general techniques for the disposal of waste or surplus chemicals. Lists specific disposal reactions. (CW)

Twelve papers focusing on various aspects of teaching chemistry to the nonchemist are presented. Includes details of courses designed around specific topics and/or needs (such as art hazards), use of field trips, issues related to the problem of explaining technical ideas to lay persons, and other topic areas. (JN)