Division of Chemical Health and Safety
The Division of Chemical Health and Safety (DCHAS) is a technical division of the American Chemical Society supporting the efforts to cultivate scientific inquiry in the field of chemistry. Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Washington D.C., the division has over 1700 members dedicated to fostering safety in the field of chemistry and related disciplines. Sharing these interests, DCHAS works with a variety of sister professional organisations including the American Chemical Society's Committee on Chemical Safety, AIChE's Center for Process Safety, Campus Safety, Health and Environmental Association, and AIHA Laboratory Safety Committee . Origins. The origin of the Division of Chemical Health and Safety dates back to Washington D.C. in September 1979 at the meeting of the American Chemical Society. It was at this meeting that the Committee on Divisional Activities entertained the idea of elevating the provisional Chemical Health and Safety to full division status. Following much discussion, the recommendation was rejected on a purposed formality. Understanding the importance of division status, Glenn T. Seaborg advocated for the recommendation with success at the meeting of what was called the Science Commission, and the Division of Chemical Health and Safety was established. Glenn  T. Seaborg, a world-renown radiochemist, co-discovered plutonium and nine other transuranium elements. While working on the Manhattan Project, he devised a method of extracting and purifying plutonium. In 1944, his "actinide concept" of heavy element electronic structure changed the periodic table to include the transition series of transuranium elements. Dr. Seaborg shared the 1951 Nobel Prize in chemistry for his work with the new elements. In 1947, President Harry S. Truman appointed Dr. Seaborg to the newly established Atomic Energy Commission. Dr. Seaborg continued his public service work as an advisor to the next six administrations and, under  President Ronald Reagan, as a member of the National Commission on Excellence in Education. Dr. Seaborg has served as president of the American Chemical Society (1976) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (1973). Today, he works to further a national commitment to basic scientific research and the safe management of nuclear materials. Editor Carl Gottschall spoke with Dr. Seaborg about the challenges of working safely in a brand new field of chemistry.” Contributions. The main contributions of the division in the field of chemical health and safety are technical presentations at ACS National and Regional meetings. In  addition, e-mail discussion list, DCHAS-L, hosts active exchanges of chemical safety information. Mission. The objectives of the Division of Chemical Health & Safety are Membership. Membership in the Division of Chemical Health and Safety is intended to give chemical health and safety professionals in industry, academia and government greater knowledge of applying health and safety principles. It affords the opportunity to meet people with similar interests and, through its meetings and publications, to share knowledge, concerns, and criticisms with others throughout the world. While the newsletter keeps members informed on the division's activities, the Journal gives news on  pertinent publications and current health and safety topics. Awards. DCHAS provides several awards, recognising outstanding leadership and service in the area of chemical health and safety, including: The Awards page of the DCHAS website provides more information about these awards, including the nomination and selection process.