{"title":"Green and Sustainable Laboratory Practices in Organic Synthesis: Post-Earthquake Safety Enhancements at NDHU Chemistry","authors":"Sailam Sri Gogula, and , Che-Jen Lin*, ","doi":"10.1021/acs.chas.5c00191","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00191","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The 2024 Hualien earthquake and subsequent chemical fire at the National Dong Hwa University highlighted the systemic vulnerabilities of laboratories located in seismically active regions. Drawing directly from this experience, we propose a unified framework for building green and resilient laboratories integrating three complementary pillars: green chemistry, resilient infrastructure, and institutional preparedness. Green chemistry reduces intrinsic hazards by adopting fewer solvents, employing energy-efficient synthesis, and implementing waste minimization strategies, thereby lessening both environmental impacts and disaster risks. Resilient infrastructure─including compartmentalized storage, seismic- and fire-resistant construction, and real-time monitoring─confines incidents to manageable scales, enabling safer evacuation and recovery. Institutional preparedness, strengthened through chemical map sharing, joint training with fire departments, and embedded emergency drills, ensures coordinated response capacity. Building on the NDHU case, we argue that future laboratories should further advance along three converging trajectories: AI-driven digital safety monitoring, integration of renewable and circular resource systems, and global standardization of laboratory safety practices. Together, these measures transform hard-learned lessons into a roadmap for laboratories that safeguards innovation while protecting people, society, and the environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":73648,"journal":{"name":"Journal of chemical health & safety","volume":"33 2","pages":"227–234"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00191","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147536854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maria Alfonsina Salazar-Escoboza*, , , Jesus Francisco Laborin Alvarez, , , Clara Rosalia Alvarez-Chavez, , and , James Kaufman,
{"title":"Safety Climate and Risk Awareness as Predictors of Laboratory Accidents in Mexican Higher Education Institutions","authors":"Maria Alfonsina Salazar-Escoboza*, , , Jesus Francisco Laborin Alvarez, , , Clara Rosalia Alvarez-Chavez, , and , James Kaufman, ","doi":"10.1021/acs.chas.5c00143","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00143","url":null,"abstract":"<p >This study examines the influence of safety climate and risk perception on laboratory accidents among students in Mexican higher education institutions (HEIs). Data collected from 438 students across three public HEIs using validated questionnaires reveal that a positive safety climate─characterized by adherence to safety protocols, institutional commitment, and proper equipment use─is associated with lower risk perception and reduced accident rates. Conversely, inadequate safety practices, insufficient training, and weak institutional leadership contribute to heightened risk perception and increased laboratory incidents. A significant finding is the prevalent invulnerability mindset among students, which, combined with underreporting of accidents due to fear of reputational or institutional consequences, undermines effective safety management. These challenges underscore the urgent need to enhance safety culture through targeted interventions, comprehensive training programs, and the establishment of formal reporting mechanisms that are tailored to academic laboratories. While the study is limited by its reliance on localized data and potential underreporting, it highlights critical areas for improvement in laboratory safety within Mexican HEIs. Future research should replicate this study across diverse institutions and regions to strengthen the generalizability. Overall, fostering a robust safety climate and addressing risk perception are essential to reducing laboratory accidents, protecting students and staff, and promoting sustainable safety practices in academic environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":73648,"journal":{"name":"Journal of chemical health & safety","volume":"33 2","pages":"246–255"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00143","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147536863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seifeddine Sellami*, , , Ahmed Tedjani, , , Omar Tebboub, , , Said Lifa, , , Ali Hadjela, , , Lotfi Benmekhbi, , and , Ouahida Zeghouan,
{"title":"Geospatial and Health Risk Modeling of Lead Contamination in Traditional Kohl from Algeria","authors":"Seifeddine Sellami*, , , Ahmed Tedjani, , , Omar Tebboub, , , Said Lifa, , , Ali Hadjela, , , Lotfi Benmekhbi, , and , Ouahida Zeghouan, ","doi":"10.1021/acs.chas.5c00199","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00199","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Traditional <i>kohl</i> cosmetics remain widely used in Algeria for cultural and medicinal purposes, yet their composition often includes lead (Pb), a toxic heavy metal associated with severe neurological and developmental effects. This study provides the first integrated geospatial and quantitative health risk assessment of Pb contamination in <i>kohl</i> products marketed across 15 Algerian cities. Lead concentrations, determined by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS), ranged from 1.25 to 326 mg·kg<sup>–1</sup>, with a mean of 90.4 mg·kg<sup>–1</sup> substantially exceeding the international cosmetic safety limit of 20 mg·kg<sup>–1</sup>. Spatial analysis revealed that lead contamination is primarily concentrated in major northern urban centers (Annaba, Algiers, Tizi-Ouzou), which function as commercial distribution hubs, while southern regions displayed lower and more heterogeneous contamination levels. Hazard Quotient (HQ) modeling was applied for adults, children, and infants under multiple exposure scenarios. Under conservative assumptions (1% absorption, 50 mg·day<sup>–1</sup> application), HQ values remained below unity, indicating low immediate dermal risk. However, sensitivity analyses revealed that increased absorption (up to 10%) or higher usage frequency can elevate HQ values near or above 1, particularly for infants and young children, highlighting a potential chronic exposure risk. Correlation and cluster analyses confirmed strong positive associations between Pb concentration and HQ indices (<i>r ></i> 0.95), validating the dose–response behavior of the model and the internal consistency of analytical data. Comparison with regional and international studies shows that Algerian <i>kohl</i> products remain significantly contaminated relative to those from countries with strict regulatory frameworks. The findings emphasize persistent public health vulnerabilities linked to informal markets and insufficient product surveillance. This work demonstrates the value of coupling chemical analytics, spatial statistics, and toxicological modeling to generate actionable evidence for cosmetic safety policy. Strengthened regulatory enforcement, consumer education, and laboratory monitoring are urgently recommended to mitigate lead exposure from traditional cosmetics in Algeria and similar regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":73648,"journal":{"name":"Journal of chemical health & safety","volume":"33 2","pages":"304–315"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00199","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147536837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Estimating the Benefits of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Usage at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Ultrafine Particle Exposure and Mortalities Reductions","authors":"Melissa Sui-hui Louie, , , Elena Austin, , , Magali N. Blanco, , , Chang Gyo Jung, , , Yeonseung Cheong, , , Anthe George, , and , Shruti Khadka Mishra*, ","doi":"10.1021/acs.chas.5c00146","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00146","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The expanding commercial aviation sector necessitates diverse energy sources, and sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) have emerged as a promising option. Widespread SAF adoption can help meet transportation fuel demand and offer health benefits for people residing near airports or along airport landing and takeoff (LTO) pathways, where elevated levels of aircraft-derived air pollution often exist. Blending SAF with traditional jet fuels can reduce ultrafine particle (UFP) emissions, which may improve health of near airport population. We analyzed a population of about 8 million people in 1925 census tracts around the Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). We conducted a risk assessment to estimate anticipated UFP reductions for three adoption scenarios using blends of traditional jet fuels with 5, 25, and 50% SAF across all flights landing and taking off from ORD. We calculated baseline estimates of UFP emissions using ORD flight data, a dispersion model, and a calibration function derived from mobile monitoring data. We used this baseline UFP emission profile across the study area to estimate population-weighted UFP, as well as the attributable case reductions (ACRs) and attributable mortality rate reductions (AMRRs) across the demographic distribution around the airport, based on the SAF blending scenarios. We found a positive association of SAF blending with UFP reductions, particularly near the airport and along LTO flight pathways. Our study showed that the population-weighted UFP across different demographics was similar. ACRs were largely dependent on individual demographic populations, while AMRRs for all populations were relatively similar, with an estimated 0.3 (95% range: 0.2–0.3), 1.1 (0.9–1.4), and 1.8 (1.5–2.2) fewer mortalities per 100,000 people per year expected with the adoption of 5, 25, and 50% SAF blends, respectively. This study indicates that communities near ORD, across a range of demographics, may benefit similarly from SAF adoption, thus highlighting how SAF adoption may offer an opportunity to improve health outcomes like aviation UFP-related mortalities around airports.</p>","PeriodicalId":73648,"journal":{"name":"Journal of chemical health & safety","volume":"33 2","pages":"256–267"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00146","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147536758","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chun-Yip Hon*, , , Kevin Hedges, , , Krista Thompson, , and , Chris Bentley,
{"title":"Evaluation of a Novel Risk Assessment Tool for Hazardous Chemicals in Academic Laboratories: An Exploratory Study","authors":"Chun-Yip Hon*, , , Kevin Hedges, , , Krista Thompson, , and , Chris Bentley, ","doi":"10.1021/acs.chas.5c00177","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00177","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Chemical hazards are prevalent in many academic laboratories and are the reported cause of numerous health and safety incidents, including fatalities. The Chemical Hazard Assessment and Prioritization (CHAP) Risk tool is intended to raise awareness of chemical hazards by calculating a risk level and providing a recommended control. The CHAP-Risk tool was previously evaluated in small and medium enterprises with some success but has not been examined in academic laboratories. This exploratory study seeks to assess the utility of the CHAP-Risk tool in academic laboratories. Eight chemical safety data sheets (SDSs) were input into the CHAP-Risk tool by three test users. The tool’s output between test users was compared to ascertain its reproducibility as well as gaps in recommended controls vs existing control measures. The output between test users was the same for 50% of the SDSs and, for the remaining four chemicals, 2 of 3 test users had the same output, with a single parameter difference with the third and final test user. With respect to the gap analysis of control measures, the recommended control vs existing control aligned for six chemicals; however, the existing control for two chemicals was deemed insufficient relative to the recommended control. These results suggest that, for the most part, the tool is reproducible but additional upgrades to the tool might be needed in some instances. Overall, the CHAP-Risk tool appears to be effective in classifying the risk associated with chemicals and educating academic laboratory occupants about appropriate control measures to mitigate the risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":73648,"journal":{"name":"Journal of chemical health & safety","volume":"33 2","pages":"211–217"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00177","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147536776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Study on the Risk and Early Warning of Modified Double-Base Propellant Catastrophic Combustion at Different Process Temperatures","authors":"Le Wang, , , Yuhang Bao, , , Huiming Sun, , , Ruiyu Chen, , , Renming Pan*, , and , Xia Zhou*, ","doi":"10.1021/acs.chas.5c00192","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00192","url":null,"abstract":"<p >To better understand accidental combustion during MDB propellant production, we studied the combustion behavior at different process temperatures using point-source ignition. The ignition delay, flame morphology, temperature evolution, thermal radiation, and spectral characteristics were analyzed. At 120 °C, the ignition delay was shortened by approximately 110 ms compared to that at 30 °C and approximately 50 ms compared to that at 80 °C. The flame area and radiation intensity increased, with peak values advancing by 42.5 and 21.5%, respectively. The extinguishing time decreased, while the maximum temperature remained at approximately 1130 °C. Flames were consistently detected above 600 °C. Distinct spectral bands were observed, including Na D (588.9 nm), K (766.4, 770.0 nm), and IR bands at 861.5 and 1991.3 nm. At 120 °C, detectable signals at 588.9 and 766.4 nm appeared within 10 ms and reached 65 082 au in 40 ms, providing reliable flame indicators. Higher process temperatures significantly increase the combustion hazard by shortening the ignition delay, enlarging the flame area, accelerating the burning rate, and intensifying the thermal radiation. The ∼600 °C threshold, IR spectral bands, and temperature serve as early warning signals, while visible wavelengths offer key flame-detection indicators. These findings establish a scientific basis for accident prevention and combustion control strategies in MDB propellant production.</p>","PeriodicalId":73648,"journal":{"name":"Journal of chemical health & safety","volume":"33 2","pages":"316–328"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00192","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147536858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Trichloroethylene─A Review of Its Safety Concerns and Environmental Hazard Levels","authors":"Yasin Sarpeleh, , , Zahra Jamali, , and , Masoud Khajenoori*, ","doi":"10.1021/acs.chas.5c00145","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00145","url":null,"abstract":"<p >This review study examines various aspects of trichloroethylene (TCE) from environmental, health, and safety perspectives. This study begins with a review of the history and industrial applications of TCE, including its role as a solvent and intermediate chemical. Then it delves into a scientific examination of its harmful effects on environmental components. In this context, the behavior of TCE in air, surface, groundwater, and soil has been analyzed, highlighting its persistence and mobility as the main environmental challenges. A significant portion of this study is dedicated to the detailed explanation of the toxic and carcinogenic effects of TCE on human health. Additionally, epidemiological evidence and the results of animal studies that associate TCE with an increased risk of various cancers (especially kidney, liver, and lymphatic system cancers), neurological disorders, and immune system damage are presented. Additionally, international and national standards and regulations developed by organizations such as IARC, EPA, WHO, and ACGIH for controlling exposure to this substance have been evaluated. Additionally, this study presents and analyzes various methods for the removal and remediation of TCE-related pollution. These methods include physical, chemical, and biological processes such as advanced oxidation, anaerobic biodegradation, soil vapor extraction, and the application of nanomaterials. Each technique has been discussed in terms of efficiency, limitations, and economic and environmental considerations. Ultimately, this study emphasizes the necessity of gradually reducing usage, implementing effective control policies, and sustainably replacing with alternative materials to ensure the achievement of sustainable development goals and the protection of public health by examining the current status and global outlook of TCE management.</p>","PeriodicalId":73648,"journal":{"name":"Journal of chemical health & safety","volume":"33 2","pages":"185–197"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00145","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147536864","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tong Tong, , , Na Chong, , , Yang Gao, , , Liqiang Meng, , , Edward Liu, , , Houde Su, , , Zhanwei Dang, , and , Yuan Lu*,
{"title":"Developing a Risk-Oriented MOC Program for Effective Resources Allocation and Efficient Management","authors":"Tong Tong, , , Na Chong, , , Yang Gao, , , Liqiang Meng, , , Edward Liu, , , Houde Su, , , Zhanwei Dang, , and , Yuan Lu*, ","doi":"10.1021/acs.chas.5c00214","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00214","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Management of Change (MOC) is a critical element of Process Safety Management (PSM), yet conventional programs often struggle with high review workloads, limited resources, and slow approval cycles. The prevailing “apply-all” approach can create backlogs, dilute attention to high-risk modifications, and gradually erode confidence in the program’s safety value. This paper proposes a risk-based MOC framework to screen, prioritize, and route changes toward appropriate levels of technical review for petrochemical operations that improves efficiency while maintaining program integrity. The approach introduces an exemption review mechanism and a risk-based classification system to allocate resources toward high-consequence changes, supported by key performance indicators to enable monitoring and continuous improvement. The method is demonstrated through three industrial case studies, and a statistical analysis of historical records quantifies tangible benefits. After implementation, average MOC processing time was reduced by 40%, without compromising process safety. The results illustrate how structured screening, prioritization, and performance tracking can strengthen chemical safety outcomes while enhancing operational efficiency.</p>","PeriodicalId":73648,"journal":{"name":"Journal of chemical health & safety","volume":"33 2","pages":"343–349"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00214","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147536792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mary Beth Mulcahy*, , , Rachel Lee Bocwinski, , , Marta Gmurczyk, , , Harry J. Elston, , , Randall Heald, , , Michael Koehler, , , P. Kalyani Martinelango, , and , Steven M. Wietstock,
{"title":"Chemical Safety Ecosystem of the American Chemical Society: A Primer","authors":"Mary Beth Mulcahy*, , , Rachel Lee Bocwinski, , , Marta Gmurczyk, , , Harry J. Elston, , , Randall Heald, , , Michael Koehler, , , P. Kalyani Martinelango, , and , Steven M. Wietstock, ","doi":"10.1021/acs.chas.5c00201","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00201","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73648,"journal":{"name":"Journal of chemical health & safety","volume":"33 1","pages":"1–7"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00201","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146043214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mary Beth Mulcahy*, , , Rhea Williams, , and , Michael Hurst,
{"title":"American Chemical Society (ACS), Leader in Chemistry, Leader in Safety: Most Trusted. Most Cited. Most Read... Most Accessible","authors":"Mary Beth Mulcahy*, , , Rhea Williams, , and , Michael Hurst, ","doi":"10.1021/acs.chas.5c00226","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00226","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73648,"journal":{"name":"Journal of chemical health & safety","volume":"33 1","pages":"8–9"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00226","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146043207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}