ChemCentre opens up on crucial drug lab work

• ChemCentre to open its doors for second annual open day
• Visitors can take part in simulation of drug lab decontamination process
• Activities to demonstrate important community role of chemistry

Diverse demonstrations ranging from drug lab decontamination exercises to the production of liquid nitrogen ice cream and free homebrew testing will be on show tomorrow at ChemCentre's Open Day.

Science and Innovation Minister John Day said, for the first time, clan lab chemists would invite visitors to be part of the decontamination process that occurred after they had left the site of a drug lab; this would include wearing full protective equipment.

"Following a huge turnout to its inaugural Open Day in 2011, the State Government chemical and forensic science facility is once again opening its doors to allow visitors a first-hand taste of chemistry in Western Australia," Mr Day said.

"Guests can expect to get their hands dirty with an array of activities, displays and demonstrations that show chemistry is not all about lab coats and test tubes.

"ChemCentre's Open Day is the State Government's opportunity to demonstrate the important role of chemistry in the community.

"ChemCentre plays an essential role in protecting and supporting WA and the open day allows the operation to share this work with visitors in an engaging and informative way.

"From forensic fibre investigation to recycled water testing, ChemCentre's Open Day is about showing the diversity of its work and how this impacts on everyday life."

ChemCentre will offer some of its testing services for free on the day, with guests able to have their garden soil tested for basic soil health indicators and home-brewers able to find out exactly how alcoholic their concoctions are.

Fact File

• ChemCentre located at corner of Manning Road and Townsing Drive, Bentley
• Open day 10am-4pm, Saturday, August 25
• Event is free
• More information:  http://www.chemcentre.wa.gov.au

Minister's office  - 6552 6200