Understanding the Risks of Using Research Chemicals

1. UnderstandingtheRisksofUsingResearchChemicals TableofContents Introduction WhyUnderstandingRisksisCrucial CommonRisksofResearchChemicals BestPracticesforSafeUse Conclusion 1.Introduction There’s an increasing number ofresearch chemicalsdeveloped for the needs of modern science and even fortheproductionofsomeproducts.Theareaswheretheseproductsare mostly utilized include the medical field, psychology, and environmental studies. Nonetheless, the usage of these compounds comes with ashareofdangers.Risksaboundinresearch chemicals use and handling but more so in the awareness,training,andpractice of safety approaches. This article lists out the dangers of research chemicalsand offers ways of responsibleusage of chemicals and enhancementof chemical education. 2.WhyUnderstandingRisksisImportant The consequences of abuse of chemical substances may be great. In Europe approximately half of all laboratoryaccidentsaretheresultofpoorchemicalmanagement,pointingtotheseriousness of the need for risk awareness and the adoption of safety practices. For example, in the Netherlands a researcher had a chemicalspillincidentasthe researcher was ignorant on how reactive the chemical was hence the laboratory was shut temporarily. Such kinds of cases are important as they illustrate the risks present and especially how knowing these risks is important to the people handling such dangerous substances and the immediateenvironment. 3.CommonRisksofResearch Chemicals Therearevariousrisksattachedtoresearchchemicalsespeciallyastheyareunderexperimentandtheir effects are not known in full. Here are the primary risks worth noting: • HealthRisks:Afewofthesechemicalsarevolatileorpoisonouswhichmakesthem dangerous whentheycomeintocontactwithskin,airoreventhemouth.Someresearchchemicalsupon

2. exposurehavebeenknowntocausecoughs,soreskinsandincasestraumaticeffectsonthe health. • EffectsontheEnvironment:Inaninstancewhereresearchchemicalsareinappropriately discarded, it may lead to environmental degradation.Environmentally inappropriate discarding of somecompounds,inparticular man made ones, can be damaging and it can take centuries to rectifythe damage if appropriate measures are nottaken. • Integrity of Data and Research: The safewaste management of chemicals will prevent research chemicals from touching the area of research where results should be achieved. When fixation, contaminationandcross-reactivity occur, proper storage and data integrity of the results are compromisedleading to poor results in research. 4.BestSafetyPracticesWhenUsing Research chemicals are often hazardous but there are research practices that can help minimize the risks associatedwiththose hazards. Here are those practices that promote safety and effectiveness of the processes: • Always use Protective Equipment: The equipment intended for the protection of the user is of paramount importance. Weargloves, goggles, and a lab coat and in some cases a mask when handling chemicals which can easily evaporate. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatoryas it helps in preventingingestion or physical contact withthe chemicals. • Conduct Activities Only in Well-ventilated Rooms: Usage of many chemicals will involve inhalation of fumes, which are in most cases detrimental to the health of an individual. Therefore, fumehoodsorproperlyventilatedareaswherethefumeisallowedtogooffwillbe recommended. • UseSuitableContainersforStorage:Researchchemicalsarepronetotemperature,moisture and light changes. Container and Safety data sheets must accompany the chemicals and safety labeling must be done. Furthermore, the chemicals must be categorized based on the stability and reactivity.

3. AlwaysBePrepared forAccidents:Whendealingwith standards and chemicals pouring of themisalwaysapossibilityandmakesthemarisk.Everylaboratoryshouldbestockedwitha spill kit that consists of absorbents, neutralizers, and cleaning supplies to effectively handle spills andavert their escalation. • Ensure There are Proper Waste Management Measures in Place: Research chemicals must be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner, according to the particular locality’s rules and regulations. Do not use the ordinary bin, nor the sink for such substances. Rather, drop them appropriatelysince they pose a lesser riskto the environment. 5.Conclusion Although research chemicals provide meaningful contributions to science; these substances need to be treated with caution and awareness of the risks they pose. Acknowledging the hazards posed by the research chemicals while adopting safe use chemicals can help in minimizing health risks, environmental degradation and the compromising of the conductive environment for research. Safety is not the only concern with chemical awareness; it is also a practice that helps researchers to engage in exploration withoutexcess risk.