It would be nice if there were such a list that everyone could agree on, but there certainly isn't one I can find. I know Montana has a "suggested chemical inventory" (see http://www.mdeqschoollabs.com/Chemicals_list.doc), but I personally see no need for high schools to have benzene, 1,1,1 TCE, 2,3,7,8 TCDD (what high school lab needs dioxin on their shelves??), caffeine, di-isopropyl ether (big peroxide former), gunpowder, hydrogen peroxide 30%, nitroglycerin, and about 30-40 other chemicals on their list! My recommendation is to look at each experiment from a "green" perspective to determine the hazards of the starting chemicals andif 1) less hazardous chemicals can be used, 2) the experiment byproducts will be regulated as a hazardous waste, and 3) if the purpose of the experiment is worth the risks posed by #1 and #2. If a chemical isn't actively being used for specific experiments then it shouldn't be there. Some of the chemicals on the Montana "suggested chemical inventory list", for example, are clearly dangerous and pose a substantial liability risk to the school. You might want to check out the EPA Schools Chemical Cleanout Campaign website - http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/conserve/clusters/schools/live.htm - it has links to a number of state programs on chemicals in schools. Russ Phifer WC Environmental, LLC PO Box 1718, 1085C Andrew Drive West Chester, PA 19380 610-696-9220x12/ fax 610-344-7519 rphifer**At_Symbol_Here**glasmesh.com -----Original Message----- From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of McCartney, Alan Sent: Friday, September 29, 2006 10:00 AM To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: Chemical Lists Is there a "good" or "recommended list of chemicals for use in a high school chemistry lab, or alternatively, is there a "Not Recommended" list (or a do not use list)? Are there any general industry standards regarding suitability of chemicals for high school chemistry labs. Sincerely, Alan P. McCartney Alan P. McCartney, CSP, CHCM, EMT-P Senior Technical Specialist - Property Loss Prevention - Liberty Mutual Agency Markets 62 Maple Avenue Keene, New Hampshire 03431 (603) 358-4560 (603) 357-9595 (fax) alan.mccartney**At_Symbol_Here**libertymutual.com
Previous post | Top of Page | Next post