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Here at this institution we have labs that run the gamut from those that ha ve an incidental use of less-hazardous chemicals to those that utilize larg e quantities of flammable liquids and reactives. We understand that this was not the only issue surrounding the tragic accid ent but after UCLA we examined the fabric of the lab coats being utilized a nd found that (rather than cotton) most existing lab coats are 60-80% polye ster and were selected for the price, lightness, and permanent press qualit ies. One of the things that we could accomplish immediately was reinforce our tr aining program to specifically instruct and require research scientists in high-hazard laboratories (those that use flammable liquids and reactive che micals) 1) not to wear synthetic clothing into the labs and 2) utilize all cotton lab coats. We also have a door sign program in which we can specifically require cotto n or even fire resistant lab coats for specific labs if necessary. Has anyone else examined this issue and what were your conclusions? Thanks, Chris