Introducing Toxicology into the Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory Using Safety Data Sheets and Sunscreen Activities

Toxicology and green chemistry have been adopted in research throughout academia, industry, and government. While significant progress has been made to explain how chemicals impact human health and the environment, there is still a lack of proper training to incorporate these concepts into the curriculum to prepare the next generation of scientists for interdisciplinary careers. The Molecular Design Research Network (MoDRN) has developed and class-tested activities that allow integration of green chemistry and toxicology concepts into an undergraduate or high school curriculum. These activities challenge students to think about Safety Data Sheets and the toxicological and environmental impacts of sunscreen products while meeting American Chemical Society's Standards and Guidelines for curriculum development in the areas of Safety, Health, and Laboratory Experience. Survey data from class testing the Biology of Sunscreen Module found that 97% of students said the laboratory experiment positively impacted their choices and behaviors in regard to their health, while 84% said the laboratory experiment would alter their purchasing habits for sunscreen type. Learning objectives around lab safety, laboratory skills, and interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving can be met using these activities to meet the needs of traditional chemistry curriculum for accreditation by using an interdisciplinary approach.