Our team decided to model the proteins of the arsenic hyperaccumulator fern, Pteris Vittata. However, we did not work in a lab environment this year. If we were to work with arsenic and the fern in a lab, there are safety rules and regulations we would’ve had to follow.
Prior to working on our project, obtaining a certification on lab safety and handling of chemicals is required. Our lab would need to be in a BSL-2 condition and properly sanitized for our uses. The lab would need to be cleaned and sanitized to decrease a chance of getting sick. Basic lab safety protocols would need to be followed:
In our project, we would be using Pteris Vittata, a fern also known as Chinese Brake Fern. Chinese Brake Fern is native to China but also found in various areas of the US, including California. The fern would need to be raised in our lab environment for us to work with it, so we need to make adjustments in the lab for us to keep the plant healthy. Chinese Brake Fern does not cause any known harm to us, but we should still follow proper safety practices while handling the fern to avoid any cross-contamination.
If chemicals are handled improperly and lab safety protocols are not followed with our project, people’s health could be at risk.
We would mainly be working with arsenic which is at a biosafety level of 2. Arsenic is a hazardous substance that can cause harm to the human body. It is known to cause harm to the eyes, skin, liver, kidneys, lungs, and lymphatic system. Exposure to arsenic can also cause cancer [1]. If we were to work with arsenic, we would first need to be trained on how to properly handle and store arsenic. When using arsenic, it is necessary for gloves, safety glasses, face shield, lab coat, and covered shoes to be used. Medical testing would also be required for any exposure to arsenic. A test would need to be done prior to being exposed and every 12 months after. To stay safe when working with arsenic, these work practices are recommended (by the New Jersey Department of Health)[2]:
[1] Arsenic. (2022, April 15). CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/arsenic/default.html
[2] Right to know hazardous substance fact sheets. (n.d.). Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/0152.pdf
[3] Safe lab practices. (n.d.). Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://ehs.ucsc.edu/programs/research-safety/safe-lab-practices.html
[4] (N.d.). Retrieved September 19, 2022, from http://www.phe.gov/s3/BioriskManagement/biosafety/Pages/default.aspx