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

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