About
Projects to choose from:
Project 1: Screening Tattoo and Permanent Makeup Inks for Hazardous Chemicals
Project Description: Tattoos are highly prevalent, with approximately 32% of Americans having at least one tattoo. Black Americans and Hispanic Americans reported having more tattoos than White and people of Asian descent. This means that there may be a disproportionate impact on health, since these populations are likely vulnerable to additional environmental and social threats that lead to poor health outcomes. The intern would assist California Safer Consumer Products Program staff in researching, identifying, and recommending Candidate Chemicals for possible regulation in tattoo inks.
Project 2: Chemicals of Potential Concern in Cookware
Project Description: Assembly Bill 1200 of 2021 requires cookware manufacturers to disclose the presence in their products of any Candidate Chemicals, which are chemicals present on a list maintained by the California Department of Substances Control (DTSC). DTSC’s Safer Consumer Products (SCP) Program can regulate consumer products containing one or more of these chemicals if there is potential for human or ecological exposures and potential for significant or widespread adverse impacts. However, at the moment, this information on Candidate Chemicals in cookware is only available on product labels and manufacturers’ website. The intern will help SCP staff compile a centralized list and begin prioritizing these chemicals for potential regulation based on factors such as chemical hazard traits and frequency of use.
Project 3: Researching Hazardous Chemicals in Synthetic Braiding Hair
Project Description: Synthetic braiding hair contains two known carcinogens (acetonitrile and vinyl chloride) and potentially other hazardous chemicals. The intern will help staff in the Safer Consumer Products Program evaluate synthetic braiding hair ingredients and their associated hazards, search for exposure studies related to braiding hair, and research the manufacturing process of synthetic braiding hair.
Note: This internship will take place at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health with meetings at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control in Berkeley.
Required Skills:
Project 1
- Good organizational skils
- Good communication skills
- Some experience with searching, reading, and understanding primary and secondary literature
- Basic Excel skills
- Willingness to learn
Project 2
- Data science skills
- Good organizational skills
- Good communication skills
- Basic research experience
- Willingness to learn
Project 3
- Good organizational skills
- Good communication skills
- Some experience with searching, reading, and understanding primary and secondary literature
- Basic Excel skills
- Willingness to learn
