Identifying University Chemicals That Pose Security Risks: A Simple Qualitative Approach

Journal Article · Tue Mar 08 00:00:00 EST 2022 · Journal of Chemical Health and Safety

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chas.0c00082· OSTI ID:1870470

Nelson, Andrew W. ^[1]; Aluoch, Austin O. ^[2]; Mulcahy, Mary Beth ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
2. Technical University of Kenya, Nairobi (Kenya)

Various laboratory-focused tools and methodologies for completing a safety risk assessment have been published, yet few similar resources to address chemical security exist. Herein, we describe a chemical security risk assessment case study at a university in a developing country. In this case study, we demonstrate a chemical security risk assessment for a university chemistry department, using an original inventory of 645 entries which was condensed to 295 chemicals after removing duplicates and erroneous entries. We then prioritized to highlight 83 chemicals of interest based on hazardous or dual-use properties that could lead to unacceptable consequences. We further refined to a list of 34 high-risk chemicals that required action, 48 chemicals that may need further justification and consideration for additional protection, and 1 chemical that did not need further consideration for additional protection.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: NA0003525
• OSTI ID: 1870470
• Report Number(s): SAND2022-3646J; 704769
• Journal Information: Journal of Chemical Health and Safety, Journal Name: Journal of Chemical Health and Safety Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 29; ISSN 1871-5532
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
Chemical security
dual-use
nonproliferation
precursor
risk assessment
toxic