More Ways to Keep Science Safe

Vermiculite
Vermiculite has recently made the news as a potential health hazard. The vermiculite that has caused concern comes from a specific source, Libby, MT. The Libby vermiculite contains a higher percentage of asbestos. This is the only vermiculite source that we know of that has this problem and is NOT the vermiculite supplied by Delta Education. As a result, FOSS vermiculite is not a potential health hazard. Vermiculite is used in the FOSS New Plants Module for grades 1 and 2.

Owl Pellets
A May 31, 2001, report in the Saint Paul Pioneer Press described an outbreak of salmonella that was probably caused by owl pellets from a captive owl. Students dissected the owl pellets during a science club meeting on a cafeteria table that was later cleaned with water, but not disinfected. It is also reported that students did not wash their hands after handling the owl pellets. Within a few days, many students exhibited flu-like symptoms. After some detective work, the symptoms were attributed to salmonella.

Owl pellet dissection is now part of the FOSS Human Body Module. By taking appropriate precautions, there should never be any problem with disease associated with this activity. These precautions include:

Purchase owl pellets from Delta Education or another science supply company that specializes in owl pellets. These owl pellets are sanitized chemically to eliminate any chance for disease. Make sure students wash their hands with soap after working with owl pellets. As an extra precaution, provide students with masks and latex gloves. (Note: Be sure students aren’t allergic to latex before providing them with gloves.)