[mannaia]

Hi,
What should a safe high-school chemistry lab coat made of ? Cotton or polyester-cotton blend or something else ?
Thanks

[Sam (NG)]

Cotton or polycotton should be fine, if it's sold as a "lab coat" then it should be safe for the purpose.  Obviously though if you spill something ridiculous down yourself like concentrated nitric acid, remove it quick and follow safety guidelines regarding what to do in an accident/ COSHH assessments for chemicals, that kind of thing.  (Not that you get exposed to much in school).

[enahs]

For typical chemistry school work (both high school and college) a safe lab coat is a comfortable lab coat. And that is the most important feature in my opinion. I have worn so many lab coats that have been horrible feeling, constricted my movement and thus made me more likely to make a mistake.

[constant thinker]

I was once told the purpose of a lab coat is to keep blood, organs, dyes, and chemicals off your clothing. As far as the chemical component goes, it also gives you another barrier that's easily removed between you and a corrosive chemical.

[Mr Peanut]

For certain tasks, like working with concentrated acids, it's a good idea to put on a polymeric apron and a face shield.