Toxic Crusaders places students inside a working lab alongside scientists and other public servants.

An initiative of the Department of Toxic Substances Control’s Environmental Chemistry Lab, this hands-on event teaches students how as a state agency we build strong partnerships to carry out our mission of protecting the public and environment.

On March 25 and 26, high school students from the Los Angeles Unified School District will participate in various activities, such as site inspections and chemical characterizations. Through staff-designed scenarios, students will identify and collect samples of potentially hazardous substances.

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl, or PFAS, will be one of the focuses this year. PFAS are a class of nearly 5,000 chemicals with many applications, including in food packaging. They are emerging chemicals of concern because of their widespread use and potential to cause adverse health effects. In addition, students will evaluate lead and cadmium in jewelry, which is especially important with new state regulatory threshold levels. Students will also measure hexavalent chromium in wastewater.

Using sophisticated instruments, students will conduct tests and analyze results in DTSC’s Pasadena Environmental Chemistry Lab. They will also hold a mock public meeting to discuss proposals on how to address the public health issue. Students will partner with Public Participation staff members to learn the mechanics of a Removal Action Plan (RAW) of the hazardous substances and present recommendations to the public.

These interactive scenarios follow this year’s theme of Community Partnership, Healthy Environment.

This is DTSC’s third Toxic Crusaders event at our Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, a statewide resource and leader in analytical and environmental chemistry.

The two-day event is sponsored by the Department of Toxic Substances Control, Agilent Technologies, and Image Property Services

Toxic Crusaders allows students to conduct lab experiments and field work, giving them an opportunity to engage in real-world science on state-of-the-art instruments and take part in a simulated investigations to learn about DTSC’s core programs.

Scenarios introduce students to complex processes needed to produce sound scientific conclusions and remedies that put the public and environment first.

The spotlight on science is a chance for students to peer into their own futures and possible careers in environmental science and government.

Early education about environmental issues is not only fundamental to DTSC’s mission, but to the future of California and the rest of the world.

DTSC believes mentorship and engagement will inspire a younger generation to prepare for tomorrow.

As DTSC continues to do its part in protecting the public and environmental from toxic harm, we know a future generation is ready to do theirs.

Social Media Photobook

DTSC chronicled past Toxic Crusaders in a Social Media Photobook.

Learn more about this exciting program and read student comments from this downloadable Social Media Photobook.

Media inquiries can be made by emailing us here.