Discusses the situation of the science teacher in relation to the laws and regulations that impinge on his professional activities and suggests ways in which the science teacher can take positive action to assure control and responsibility in the laboratory as well as on field trips. (LC)

Topics addressed in this discussion of toxicology and chemical safety include routes of exposure, dose/response relationships, action of toxic substances, and effects of exposure to chemicals. Specific examples are used to illustrate the principles discussed. Suggests prudence in handling any chemicals, whether or not toxicity is known. (JN)

Listed are chemicals commonly used in the science classroom, including restrictions for classroom use. Based on recommendations of the Association for Science Education. Seven categories of restrictions are imposed, and each chemical listed has one or more restriction. When appropriate, an alternative chemical is suggested. (DS)

Presents rationale and guidelines for development of Safety Standard Operating Procedures (Safety SOP) specific for local conditions. Includes an outline of a Safety SOP developed for a department primarily focused on undergraduate education with a wide variety of expertise from common laborer to PhD with 20 years experience. (Author/JN)

A discussion of the teacher responsibility to student with regard to safety in the shop. (HD)

Explains how to manage waste after a classroom laboratory experiment which generally has the potential to generate large amounts of waste. Focuses on pollution prevention and the selection processes to eliminate or minimize waste. (YDS)

Reports on the use of a technique that involves students in researching the hazardous properties of chemicals they are about to use. Students include this information in their lab reports focusing on product and company identification and hazards identification. (DDR)

Discusses the changes that schools will have to make to ensure that all lab exercises are done in compliance with the new chemical hygiene law. Two tables are included: (1) Chemical Hygiene Compliance; and (2) Duties of a Chemical Hygiene Officer. (ZWH)

Describes various hazards associated with electricity and electrical usage that can result in fire, explosion, burn, and shock. Presents diverse techniques and methods that one can utilize to protect laboratory personnel from common, yet dangerous, electrical hazards. (Author/JJK)

Explains that mercury is a dangerous substance to use in school science laboratories and gives several examples of mercury poisoning. Lists some precautions that should be taken in case of mercury spillage in the lab. Advocates using non-mercury laboratory equipment and limiting student access to mercury to prevent dangerous situations. (YDS)

Discusses whether it is biologically plausible for an environmental laboratory contaminant to cause fibromyalgia. Presents a study of two populations which indicated that fibromyalgia was occurring at an elevated rate in a building where ventilation was deemed inadequate for laboratory activities. (Author/WRM)

Explores the after-effects on college laboratories of the anthrax mail scare; scientists say the anthrax scare justifies tougher rules on biological agents, but some fear that Congress may go too far. (EV)