<p>Our project focused on improving the safety of the community here in San Diego and other places affected by contaminated waterways due to the production of PFAS chemicals. By engineering bacteria that would break down these chemicals it would remove the danger of consumption along with the effects PFAS chemicals have on people. Areas in our community such as Camp Pendalton have been known for their chemical spills in previous years including their use of PFAS chemicals in fire retardants during training exercises.</p>
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<h2>Training</h2>
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<p>All members of Westview’s IGEM team were required to read through, comprehend, and sign waivers centered around the potential risks of lab experiments. These waivers were signed by both the member and their guardian. J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) has its own set of forms to sign, and training to complete in order to ensure competent knowledge of lab safety and practices. All members who participated in conducting experiments at JCVI took part in a lab safety tour along with further training including: learning about hazardous waste, proper labeling, how to store chemicals, and most importantly, the steps to take in the event of various types of emergencies. All of these practices were implemented at all times during the duration of our lab experiments. </p>
