The public school system, primarily high schools, typically generate chemical waste from their science lab classes. It is common for science teachers to save and accumulate quantities of chemicals with the intention that they will someday use them. However, the accumulation of used and unused chemicals can grow, for any number of reasons, until a critical mass is reached or the space needs to be repurposed. Then the question is raised, “What can we do with these chemicals?”<br/> <br/>An overwhelming burden develops because expertise in compliance is minimal, resource literature can become confusing, time management, and financial obligations aren’t assured due to budgetary cuts, for example.<br/> <br/>The Texas Christian University Risk Management Department teamed up with Faculty and Green Chemistry students to develop an outreach program targeting local public schools within the city. The goal was to revamp chemistry curriculum and concomitantly evaluate their needs for chemical storage and waste disposal. The outcomes of this work will be described where more than half of the cost associated for the necessary chemical remediation projects were reduced and implemented with simple steps. This project represents a model for other school districts to form collaborations with universities to ensure best practices are carried at in K-12 education as well.

Estimating the human and financial costs to public school system for the remediation of laboratory chemical storage areas

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.