Category: Chemical safety

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified propylene glycol as a substance that is 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS) for regulated use in foods, medicines, and cosmetics. This designation, however, is often overshadowed by misleading misinformation about the chemical's safety due to confusion with its highly toxic cousin, ethylene glycol.

Trace amounts of yttrium are found in the human body, particularly in the liver and bones, but consuming this rare earth element is extremely dangerous and ill-advised. Exposure, especially through inhalation or ingestion, is a known health risk.

Despite persistent myths and historical accounts, relying on sugar to neutralize cyanide is a dangerous and often fatal fallacy. This misconception, which gained notoriety partly due to the legend of Grigori Rasputin's survival, has no scientific basis for emergency treatment and could delay life-saving medical care. This article explains why the 'sugar cure' is medically ineffective and highlights the critical importance of seeking immediate professional help for cyanide poisoning.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes food-grade calcium chloride as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for its intended uses in food. The crucial question of whether is calcium chloride ok to ingest depends entirely on its grade, concentration, and purpose.

Often lauded as a safer alternative to rock salt for de-icing, magnesium chloride's safety profile depends heavily on its application. It is essential to understand the potential risks and benefits of using magnesium chloride salt, whether for health supplements, muscle-soothing baths, or winter maintenance.

Magnesium powder is a highly flammable solid that reacts vigorously with water, releasing explosive hydrogen gas. Therefore, understanding how to store magnesium safely is critical for anyone handling this reactive metal in laboratories, manufacturing facilities, or even classrooms. Proper storage prevents accidental fires, hazardous reactions, and the degradation of the material itself.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to hydrofluoric acid can be fatal even at low concentrations. The specific chemical burn that can cause hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia is caused by hydrofluoric acid (HF), a substance whose systemic toxicity is uniquely dangerous. Unlike other acids, its ability to penetrate deep tissue and sequester essential electrolytes creates a life-threatening medical emergency.

While brilliant blue food coloring (also known as E133 or FD&C Blue No. 1) is widely used to give a vibrant hue to many products, studies have explored potential health concerns, including allergic reactions and links to hyperactivity in children. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the research and findings related to the side effects of this common additive.

A study of human overdose cases showed that ingesting high concentrations of potassium iodate can cause acute retinal toxicity and vision loss. Understanding why potassium iodate is bad for you requires recognizing its potential for harm, particularly in large doses or when misused.

A Material Safety Data Sheet for sodium carbonate explicitly labels the chemical as harmful if swallowed. Despite its deceptively benign-sounding name, soda ash is not an edible household product and can cause significant harm if consumed, particularly in concentrated amounts.