Epigenomics is a field in which researchers chart the locations and understand the functions of all the chemical tags that mark the genome. The epigenome is a multitude of chemical compounds that can tell the genome what to do. The human genome is the complete assembly of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)-about 3 billion base pairs –…
At room temperature, Ethylene Oxide is a flammable colorless gas with a sweet odor. It is used primarily to produce other chemicals, including antifreeze. In smaller amounts, Ethylene Oxide is used as a pesticide and a sterilizing agent. The ability of Ethylene Oxide to damage DNA makes it an effective sterilizing agent but also accounts…
Flame Retardants are chemicals that are applied to materials to prevent the start or slow the growth of fire. Some of these chemicals are associated with adverse health effects in animals and humans.
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical widely used to make home building products. Most Formaldehyde produced in the United States is for the manufacture of resins, such as urea-Formaldehyde, used to make the adhesives for pressed wood products, such as particleboard, furniture, paneling, cabinets, and other products.
genetics is the scientific study of genes and heredity—of how certain qualities or traits are passed from parents to offspring as a result of changes in DNA sequence. A gene is a segment of DNA that contains instructions for building one or more molecules that help the body work.
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide that can kill certain weeds and grasses. Glyphosate works by blocking an enzyme essential for plant growth. The product is used primarily in agriculture, but also in forestry and lawn and garden care.
Hazardous wastes are discarded materials with properties that make them potentially harmful to human health or the environment.
Chromium is an odorless and tasteless metallic element that is found in the earth’s crust. It is also found in air, water, soil, and food. Hexavalent Chromium Compounds are a group of chemicals that have useful properties, such as corrosion resistance, durability, and hardness. These compounds have been used widely as corrosion inhibitors and in…
If a cut on your skin swells up, turns red, and hurts, those symptoms are signs of acute, or short-lived, Inflammation. Feeling hot or losing function may be signs of Inflammation from other harm to your body. Some Inflammation that occurs in your body’s cells or tissues may not have outward symptoms. Inflammation is a…
Lead, a metal found throughout the earth, has been used in a variety of products including gasoline, paint, plumbing pipes, ceramics, solders, batteries, and even cosmetics. It remains a significant public health concern for some children because of persistent Lead hazards in the environment.