Prior to the beginning of our experiment, our entire team had taken up safety training and were certified in general lab safety and biochemical safety. Strict measures were taken up by the entire team to get familiarized with lab safety protocols and all of us are certified. The team had also taken part in watching Biosafety laboratory videos and our primary investigators had conducted a safety quiz before the wet lab work had begun.

Since we are working in a BSL-1 lab, clear cut instructions were laid out that enforced all our team members to ensure proper clothing (lab coats, masks, gloves, hair caps)and closed toe shoes were always worn when working in the lab. Regular fumigation of the lab was done (once in 3 weeks). Under no circumstances were food and drinks allowed in the lab. Most of the components used in our project were non-hazardous and safe; the only exceptions were the usage of ethidium bromide that is used during gel electrophoresis. This chemical is toxic due to its carcinogenic properties. This intercalating agent was always handled with gloves and was stored in a safe area. The pipette tips and the gel utilized were carefully discarded after use along with the gloves that were worn. Our heavy metal of choice is cadmium, which is considered toxic for human beings and the environment. Cadmium chloride is carcinogenic and mutagenic reagent by nature and is extremely toxic towards the environment. This agent was stored in a cool, well-ventilated area that is away from rays of the sun and was stored away from fire hazards and other chemicals. While using Cadmium chloride, our team ensured the highest levels of safety protocols. Since this is a chemical of very high concern, our team was extremely vigilant by wearing lab coats, gloves and goggles. Cadmium chloride was used only in its designated area and all the pipettes and other instruments kept in this area were only used under proper safety rules.