Why green chemistry makes science safer for everyone

There is a common perception that chemistry labs are full of danger: fires, explosions, flashes of light, and caustic solutions. Those flourishes are found in the new Frankenstein film and in programs like the Powerpuff Girls, who were conceived with an explosion that is presented comedically. Obviously, Professor Utonium shouldn’t have been doing chemistry in his basement. But perhaps using safer, greener chemicals could also have lowered the risk of the incident that nearly cost him his life. As skewed as popular perception is, as chemists we can and should be very deliberate about reducing the risks to ourselves in the lab and to those outside it. This is where green chemistry comes in.Greener practices in the lab help improve lab safety. Deliberating about these issues thoughtfully throughout the life cycle of an experiment, from planning to conclusion, can deliver important benefits. In a lab, the risk of an accident is associated with both the level of hazard and the likelihood of exposure. For an analogy, let’s say you decide to go hiking. Most hikes are a low-risk activity and a great way to get moving in some fresh air. But there is risk. You could twist an ankle, get lost, or come across some not-so-friendly wilderness inhabitants. You can bring a medical kit, maps, and compasses, but the risks can fluctuate, depending on which path is taken, the time of day, and even what you wear. That kind of variation in risk also appears when choosing a chemical synthesis.