May 1, 2014 (Vol. 34, No. 9)
URL:
http://bit.ly/PoV3zk
Rating:
Strong Points: Large, searchable chemical inventory, easy to read
Weak Points: Can’t save chemicals to a “favorites” list
Platform:
iPad/iPhone
Cost:
Free
Summary:
It’s no secret that many of the chemicals encountered in research laboratories are not exactly good for human health. The Chemical Safety Data Sheets app provides a convenient method to browse and display the International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs) for an expansive collection of chemicals. The chemical collection is arranged alphabetically, and users can search for specific chemicals by their name or by CAS number. Each ICSC presents (in a nicely organized and concise format) the major hazards associated with each chemical (both physical hazards such as flammability and health hazards) alongside corresponding preventative measures and first aid directions. Beneath this first block of information, the ICSC goes on to give information about spillage disposal and storage, physical and chemical properties, and pertinent health information such as routes of exposure, inhalation risk, and effects of short-term and long-term exposure.
