Summary of Chlordane and Oxychlordane Chlordane is an artificial pesticide, which was banned for food crops in 1978. In 1988, that restriction extended to termite extermination. It resists degradation in the environment and can cause cancers, diabetes, and neurological disorders. This combination of chemicals is a thick liquid whose color ranges from colorless to amber, […]

Vitamin and mineral supplements are taken to provide nutrients that are typically found in food but that the person may not be getting enough of to meet nutritional needs. In many cases supplements are referred to as multivitamins, and can be taken as pills, chewable pills, powders, or liquids. This post focuses on vitamin and […]

Mercaptans are organic compounds with a distinct odor. Mercaptans are most commonly found in as an emission from paper or pulp mills, and in coal tar and petroleum distillates. Sometimes, mercaptans can be found naturally in food, including onions, asparagus, and radishes. Mercaptans are also produced by certain marine microorganisms and produce the boggy smell […]

2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine or DNPH is a reagent used in organic analysis and detection of ketones and aldehydes. This compound contains a benzene ring, two nitro groups, and a hydrazine functional group that is dissolved in a solution of methanol and some concentrated sulfuric acid. It is a successful test when determining the presence of aldehydes and […]

Volatile Organic Compounds (1), known as VOCs, are a class of organic chemicals that evaporate into water or vaporize easily into normal air temperatures. Thousands of these carbon-containing chemicals have been manufactured for commercial, industrial, and residential use and can have a variety of harmful health and environmental effects. When VOCs are found in drinking […]

Introduction to the Uses and Risks of Fungicide Fungicides are the first step to prevent and control fungal disease. Fungicides are applied to seeds and plants as a preventative measure to stop and kill fungus before it can infect plants and spread to an entire crop or lawn. While a fungicide is not a cure-all, […]

Four homes in Williamsburg, Kentucky were evacuated when a truck’s tanker flipped over a nearby bridge and spilled about 1,600 gallons of butyl acrylates, a common manufacturing chemical.  

The Texas Attorney General is suing a chemical company for environmental violations that occurred in the lead up to a major fire at its Port Neches facility. 

State National Guard was called after 8,000 gallons of hydrochloric acid was spilled as a result of a 5.7 magnitude earthquake in Magna, Utah. 

What does ISO IEC 17025 stand for? ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization and IEC stands for the International Electrotechnical Commission. Together, the two organizations work to develop, maintain, and promote standards in the fields of science and technology. ISO/IEC 17025 refers to the specific standard that lays out the requirements for testing […]