Chlorine is a highly useful chemical that's also extremely dangerous − here's what to know about staying safe around it

Chlorine is a widely used industrial chemical that’s frequently a factor in toxic accidents and workplace injuries. A pharmaceutical expert explains why it’s so hazardous.

Aliasger K. Salem, Associate Vice President for Research and Bighley Chair and Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iowa • conversation
Nov. 27, 2023 • ~8 min

Disinfectants and cleaning products harboring toxic chemicals are widely used despite lack of screening for potential health hazards

Quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as QACs or quats, are commonly used antimicrobials also found in many household products. Soap and water may be a safer bet when cleaning surfaces.

Courtney Carignan, Assistant Professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University • conversation
May 9, 2023 • ~6 min

Type of ultraviolet light most effective at killing coronavirus is also the safest to use around people

UV lights come in a variety of different wavelengths, but not all are equally effective at disinfection. Researchers tested a number of commercially available lights to find the best.

Karl Linden, Professor of Environmental Engineering and the Mortenson Professor in Sustainable Development, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Oct. 26, 2021 • ~8 min

Ultraviolet light can make indoor spaces safer during the pandemic – if it's used the right way

UV disinfection is a proven means of killing pathogens like the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but it's not risk-free.

Karl Linden, Professor of Environmental Engineering and the Mortenson Professor in Sustainable Development, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Sept. 9, 2020 • ~9 min

A potential new weapon in the fight against COVID-19: Food coloring

Aerosols of some FDA-approved food coloring could deactivate airborne viruses.

Yuhyun Ji, Doctoral student in Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University • conversation
Aug. 20, 2020 • ~4 min

Coronavirus shopping tips to keep you safe at the supermarket

Frequently-touched surfaces including trolley handles and card readers carry the highest number of virus particles.

Lena Ciric, Associate Professor in Environmental Engineering, UCL • conversation
April 29, 2020 • ~5 min

Robots are playing many roles in the coronavirus crisis – and offering lessons for future disasters

Robots are helping health care workers and public safety officials more safely and quickly treat coronavirus patients and contain the pandemic. They have something in common: They're tried and tested.

Vignesh Babu Manjunath Gandudi, Graduate Teaching Assistant, Texas A&M University • conversation
April 22, 2020 • ~10 min

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