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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.

Uncategorized August 17, 2022

An Introduction to Plastics

Plastic is a versatile material used to make thousands of products people use every day. Learn about the types of plastic classification, history and unique chemistry that gives plastic its variety of uses and applications.

Uncategorized August 17, 2022

Chemical Ingredients 101: How to Read a Product Label

Ingredient labels for food and other products we use daily often include unfamiliar chemical names.

Chemical Safety August 17, 2022

Using Disinfectant Products Safely

Disinfectant products can effectively reduce germs that can make us sick. However, it’s important to know how to use these products safely to prevent accidental poisonings and other serious injuries.

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).

Uncategorized August 17, 2022

What Makes Polystyrene Different from Styrene? It’s a Matter of Chemistry.

What’s the difference between styrene and polystyrene? Although the names sound familiar, styrene and polystyrene are different and have completely different properties.

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.”

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

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.

Chemicals in the Environment August 16, 2022

Understanding the Major Limitations of Many Chemical Lists

Lists are among the simplest and most widely used tools today – we make to-do lists of chores that need to be done, and grocery lists before we go to the supermarket.

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