Message from the Chair
Oh, the good old days-the days when life was simpler. The days when we didn't have to worry about all those safety warnings. The days when we didn't have to put on all that safety equipment. No MSDSs. No chemical hygiene plans. No computers or computer-assisted equipment.
Do we really want to go back to those days? I don't. Sometimes it is nice to look back, but when we put it all in context, the present is nicer, and the future holds a lot more promise. Even though sometimes the chemical knowledge that we have gained over the past 20 years may make us wonder if there is any "safe" chemical to use, I do not want to give up the computer age.
The same holds true for the Division of Chemical Health and Safety. As we celebrate 20 years as a division and reflect on our accomplishments, we need to anticipate the future. As we are called upon to lead into the next decade, help from every member is needed. What changes do we anticipate?
In the Division of Chemical Health and Safety, we definitely learn from each other's accomplishments, experiences, and mistakes. We need to share--network-this information through oral presentations at meetings-whether national, regional, or local--and through written articles.
The division is always looking for people willing to share information through oral presentations at any of the national meetings. The number of symposia has dropped over the years, and the division has therefore offered more workshops. The division needs the workshops in order to learn from the "experts"; however, we need the symposia so that we can share our experiences. When people are not willing to present their research findings, symposia cannot be given. If you are unable to attend a national meeting, present your research findings at a regional meeting or at a local section meeting. Keep us informed of your presentations.