Minimize

Laboratory processes must be modified in order to reduce pollution whenever possible. Modern extration techniques, such as using solid phases or supercritical fluids, minimize waste by using much smaller volumes of organic solvents.

Computer simulations and models eliminate all environmental impacts when replaced in the laboratory experiments. During classes, computer simulations and multimedia presentations allow students to observe procedures often more complex than those that can be observed in a traditional exercise laboratory.

Whenever possible, the most harmful chemical product should be replaced by others less dangerous. Some useful references in this sense are:

Perilous chemical product	Safer substitute	Application / use
Acetamide	Stearic acid	Lowers the freezing point
Benzene	Xylol or hexane	Solvent
Di benzoyl peroxide	Dii-dodecanoyl peroxide	Some polymer catalysis
Carbon tetrachloride	Cyclohexane	Qualitative test for halides
Formaldehid	Ethanol	Conservation of biologycal remains
Dissolvents halogenats	Dissolvents no halogenats	Algunes extraccions i dissolvent
Dicromat de sodi	Hipoclorit de sodi	Algunes reaccions d’oxidació
Ió sulfur	Ió hidròxid	Test qualitatius de metalls pesants
Còctel per a centelleig de base de toluè	Còctels per a centelleig no ignicibles	Estudis que utilitzen materials radioactius

The modern glass materials, the accurate devices and microscale techniques currently available, grants reducing quantities used to miligram levels. The microscale practises not only reduce pollution and waste, but has other benefits such as:

• Having lower costs due to the use of less quantities of products.
• Faster performance.
• Heating and cooling easier with smaller volumes.
• Reducing the amount of emissions to the atmosphere.
• The glass material, designed specially for microscale practices, has a return on investment in less than 3 years.
• The glass material is more durable.
• Airing (ventilation) requirements are lower.
• Less space needed for storage.
• Accidents and incidents are less frequent and with less harmful consequences.

We must reflect and redesign laboratory processes in order to reduce the chemicals used, generate less waste, prevent and minimize the generation of emissions and discharges to the sewer. Clean and diligent operations diminish spills, and often need less use of gas cabinets extending the shelf life of the filters.

During tonnage (weight/measurement) and transfer of products between containers one must be very careful to prevent spills. It should not be assumed that the emissions, the discharges and waste generation are something inherent to experimental practices.
We must do all we can reach in order to use the products and the instrumental of the laboratory in a safe way, in view that the chemical products released and the waste have impact in the environment and health and must be minimized whenever possible.
The processes must be sealed and confined to avoid vapor leak or discharges to the environment.