Safer through collaboration

Since 1950, the American Chemical Society Committee on Analytical Reagents (CAR) has published ACS Reagent Chemicals , a now-electronic reference that provides specifications and validated methods of analysis (monographs) for more than 500 ACS reagent-grade chemicals. Safety is a core value of ACS and a vital concern for researchers and practitioners who work with reagent chemicals. These chemicals, which are used primarily for analytical purposes, have specific standards of purity and quality that need to be met and verified. Ensuring safe handling, storage, and disposal of these chemicals requires that analysts have authoritative and accurate safety information and guidance. A survey conducted by ACS Publications of those who use ACS Reagent Chemicals revealed an overwhelming desire to include additional safety content. The users expressed the need for more information on the protocols for chemical hazards, exposure precautions, personal protective equipment, and emergency procedures related to the reagent chemicals. Inspired by