Food & Beverage

Working from home has become more common with advances in technology. Whether you are a full-time remote employee or work from home occasionally, you can probably relate to performing tasks that require your undivided attention in a space where it might be too comfortable to focus. In 2017, the Bureau of Labor Statistics published data […]

In the early 1990s, a new market trend called “ethical consumerism” was just starting to lay its roots. Over the last two decades, consumers have increasingly sought and purchased products with labels such as “fair trade,” “green,” “locally sourced,” and “organic.” More recent market trends from Nielsen and Stanford University have confirmed that consumers value, […]

What is Ammonia? Ammonia is a colorless gas with a characteristically pungent odor. One of the most common industrial chemicals in the U.S., ammonia is used primarily as an agricultural fertilizer. Other uses for ammonia include: Potential Ammonia Health Hazards Ammonia gas reacts instantly with the moisture in the skin, eyes, mouth, and respiratory tract […]

Earlier this week, Slate reported that the EPA is considering a new rule for 2016 that could impact the use of methylene chloride (also known as dichloromethane), a chemical commonly found in paint strippers. The rule could result in anything from new warning label requirements to an outright ban. According to OSHA, workers using methylene […]

What is Salicylic Acid? Salicylic acid is a colorless crystalline acid derived from organic sources. This chemical has a variety of applications and can present several health hazards if used without adequate precautions. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind when handling and storing salicylic acid. Common Uses of Salicylic Acid Salicylic […]

More than a decade ago, the chemical compound diacetyl, which is used to add flavor and aroma to foods and other products, came under fire after an investigation by The National Institute of Occupation Safety and Health exposed it as responsible for lung disease in several microwave popcorn plant workers. The disease, bronchiolitis obliterans—often called […]

As a consumer, I go into grocery stores often.  Like many of us, I don’t always go in with my “ergo eyes”. I am usually thinking about what I need to buy. Having recently worked with clients in retail and food distribution, however, I became very aware of common ergonomic issues that exist in this […]

What is Sodium Carbonate? Sodium carbonate is a white crystalline or powdered chemical that is odorless with an alkaline taste. This material comes from the ashes of plants that grow in sodium-rich soil. Also known as soda ash, sodium carbonate is sometimes produced synthetically from salt and limestone. Sodium carbonate can cause mild-to-severe health hazards and should […]

What is Phosphoric Acid? Phosphoric acid is a colorless, odorless mineral acid. With an acidic taste and somewhat viscous consistency, phosphoric acid is used in a wide variety of products and industries. Despite its popularity, this chemical can pose some potentially significant health hazards and should be handled with caution. Common Uses of Phosphoric Acid […]

What is Calcium Chloride? Calcium chloride is an odorless, white, crystalline solid compound that is highly soluble in water. A type of salt, this calcium chloride is hygroscopic, which means it can attract and absorb water molecules from its surroundings. In fact, calcium chloride can attract several times its own weight in water, dissolving into a […]