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Health and Safety

Chemicals and chemistry touch nearly every aspect of our lives. From the food we eat, the cars we drive, the building where we work, live and play, to myriad health care applications, product packaging and consumer electronics, chemistry helps make all these possible. So it is important that chemicals are used safely. Learn more about chemicals health and safety in the five categories below.

Chemistry & Kids August 17, 2022

Sunscreen: Chemical Ingredients and Summertime Safety

When it comes to sun protection, the science is clear. Health experts agree that using sunscreen is important during outdoor summer activities to protect the skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. Too much sun exposure can cause sunburns, premature skin aging and skin cancer.

Chemical Safety August 17, 2022

Debunking the Myths: Are there really 84,000 chemicals?

If you’ve ever read a news article or blog post about chemicals, you may have heard the oft-cited claim that there are 84,000 chemicals in commerce but only 200 of these have been tested for safety.

Chemicals & Health August 17, 2022

COVID-19 and the Dangers of Self-Medicating

Ongoing concerns about COVID-19 have led to some people to “self-medicate” to treat the virus or prevent contracting it.

Chemical Safety August 17, 2022

Government Regulation of Chemicals

Congress passed bipartisan comprehensive reform legislation to update the regulation of chemicals in commerce for the first time in 40 years, modernizing the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

Chemicals & Health August 17, 2022

Vaccine Ingredients and Safety: A Close-Up Look

Hailed as one of the Ten Great Public Health Achievements in the 20th century by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines can help save 2 to 3 million lives every year.

Chemical Safety August 17, 2022

“The Dose Makes the Poison”

Nearly 500 years ago, Swiss physician and chemist Paracelsus expressed the basic principle of toxicology: “All things are poison and nothing is without poison; only the dose makes a thing not a poison.”

Chemicals & Food August 17, 2022

Sweet Colors: Food Coloring and Dyes

While Mother Nature makes an impressive array of colors, those that would work as food dyes are limited. Food dyes or color additives need to meet certain technical aspects to color food.

Chemical Safety August 17, 2022

Understanding Risk and Hazard When it Comes to Chemicals

Every day, people are exposed to a variety of activities or products that could, under certain circumstances, cause harm. There’s a potential for harm or injury in nearly every activity we engage in – whether it’s when we cross a street, ride in an automobile, or play in a baseball game.

Chemicals & Food August 16, 2022

Does Coffee Need a Cancer Warning Label in California?

Have you heard that your cup of coffee may come with a cancer warning in California? For many people, the idea of starting the morning without their regular latte or double espresso is unthinkable.

Chemistry & Kids August 16, 2022

How Chlorine Keeps Pools Safe for Summertime Fun

Most people probably wouldn’t want to go swimming in a giant, germ-filled petri dish. But without modern chemistry, that’s what swimming in pools could be like.

Chemistry & Kids August 16, 2022

Six Ways Chemistry Helps Kids Get Back to School

Chemistry isn’t just a course requirement – it’s a key part of many of the items students use throughout the school day. Chemical compounds help create durable and reliable school supplies, clothes, sports equipment and classroom learning aids.

Chemistry & Kids August 16, 2022

Back-to-School Safety Tips During COVID-19

COVID-19 is still affecting many communities across the United States. As schools prepare for the start of the 2021-2022 academic year, parents may be concerned about the health and safety of their children.

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