Compiled as an immediate source of reference and guidance, this manual was published by the Scottish Schools Science Equipment Research Centre to provide the following information about alphabetically listed chemicals considered to be hazardous: (1) the hazards; (2) incompatibility with other agents; (3) methods for handling, storage, disposal and…

Describes the potential health hazards of using thioacetamide in introductory courses where students are involved in qualitative inorganic analysis. Describes the chemical as possessing carcinogenic, hepatotoxic, and mutagenic properties. Cautions that thioacetamide has caused various biochemical changes in the liver, and recommends limited uses…

Discusses the reasons potential claimants in asbestos-in-school cases believe losses and legal expenses are the obligations of insurance carriers. Describes some law suits and matters of concern to property owners, asbestos manufacturers, and those engaged in the construction of buildings, and property-casualty insurance companies. (RT)

Enumerates variables involved in the safe operation of a fume hood. Describes a test to measure hood performance. Discusses variables which effect hood performance. Lists design changes sometimes necessary to provide more space and encourage good practices. Concludes with a summary of good hood practices. (CW)

Discusses the need for compliance with state and federal regulations regarding the handling of hazardous wastes in college chemistry laboratories. Addresses: (1) waste determination; (2) facility requirements; (3) use of the manifest, vendor, transporter, site selection requirements, and training; (4) contingency planning; and (5) documentation.…

Reviewed is the discovery, nuclear and chemical properties, and uses of an isotope of Americium (Am-241). Production and separation techniques used in industry are emphasized. Processes are illustrated in flow sheets. (CW)

Discusses the advent of microscale experiments within undergraduate organic chemistry laboratories mainly resulting from environmental safety concerns involving waste disposal. Considers the cost savings in purchasing less reagents and chemicals, the typical glassware and apparatus, the reduced hazards from elimination of open flames, and other…

Discussed is the idea that the use of fossil fuels could render Earth uninhabitable long before supplies of them are exhausted. Possible solutions to this problem are described and include a revolution in technology, worldwide economic strategies, and a change in the way people think. (KR)

An objective of the American Chemical Society is to promote alternatives to landfilling for the disposal of laboratory chemical wastes. One method is to reduce the amount of chemicals that become wastes. This is the basis for the "less is better" philosophy. This bulletin discusses various techniques involved in purchasing control,…

During the 1986 Coastweek, a national event dedicated to improvement of the marine environment, a large beach cleanup was organized on the Texas coast. The goals of the cleanup were to create public awareness of the problems caused by marine debris, and to collect data on the types and quantities of debris found on the Texas coastline. The…

This curriculum consists of a one-week course of study designed to introduce students in grades 7-8 to (or increase their awareness of) toxic substances commonly found in the home. It includes an introduction/conceptual framework, four lessons, a unit test, and appendices. Each lesson consists of a statement of purpose, objectives,…

Recounts the problems of a high school chemistry program in safely storing and disposing of chemicals. Describes the school's new system of inventorying and dating all chemicals, using warning stickers, isolating certain hazardous substances, and cataloging references to the use of each chemical and its container. (TW)

One of the major goals of environmental education is developing students with positive environmental ethics and motivated to take desirable environmental actions. Research indicates that attitudes and behaviors of individuals are frequently modeled after the attitude and behavior of others. Since most youth spend 6 to 7 hours per day in school…

During the past several years, interest, concern, and action related to environmental problems have increased. Among the problems creating the concern have been materials that can cause pollution and biological damage in and near the home and the disposal of materials used in the home. Discussed in this digest are the reduction of problems related…

This pamphlet offers suggestions for improving laboratory safety. It is based on the notion that having an understanding of inherent hazards and learning how to be safe should be an integral and important part of science education. It is organized into "steps requiring minimal expense" and "steps requiring moderate expense." Included in these…