As researchers seek the best chemistry, which hazards are they most likely trying to identify and minimize?

In the context of inherently safer design and chemical research, the primary focus is on identifying and minimizing hazards that could pose risks to public health and safety, as well as environmental concerns. Toxicity refers to the potential of a substance to cause harmful effects on living organisms. Reactivity involves how a substance might undergo chemical changes, potentially leading to hazardous situations such as explosions or the release of toxic byproducts. Flammability indicates the ability of a substance to ignite and sustain combustion, posing fire and explosion risks.

Choosing to focus on minimizing toxicity, reactivity, and flammability is aligned with the fundamental principles of inherently safer design, which advocate for the elimination or reduction of hazards rather than merely managing them through safety measures or protective equipment. This approach not only aims to enhance safety during chemical processing and usage but also strives to develop processes that inherently pose fewer risks.

While considerations such as cost and efficiency, environmental impact, and regulatory compliance are important in the broader context of chemical research and industrial operations, they do not directly address the immediate physical and chemical hazards associated with the substances themselves. Therefore, minimizing risks related to toxicity, reactivity, and flammability is crucial for ensuring safety in chemical development and production.