Unit GIC2 · Element 7: Chemical and Biological Agents
7.1 Hazardous Substances
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Health hazard classification
Chemicals that are hazardous to health are placed in these hazard classes.
| Hazard class | General description |
|---|---|
| Acute toxicity | Adverse effects of a substance that result from a single exposure, or from several exposures in a short period (usually under 24 hours). Exposure can be oral, dermal or by inhalation. |
| Skin corrosion and irritation | Corrosion is irreversible damage to the skin. Irritation covers products that cause reversible damage, such as redness or inflammation, after exposure. |
| Serious eye damage and eye irritation | Serious damage is tissue damage or physical decay of vision that is not fully reversible. Irritation covers products that cause reversible effects, normally within 21 days of exposure. |
| Respiratory or skin sensitisation | A respiratory sensitiser is a chemical that leads to hypersensitivity of the airways after inhalation. A skin sensitiser leads to an allergic response after skin contact. |
| Germ cell mutagenicity | Chemicals that may cause mutations in human germ cells that can be passed on to offspring. |
| Carcinogenicity | A carcinogen is a substance or mixture that induces cancer or increases its incidence. |
| Reproductive toxicity | Adverse effects on sexual function and fertility in adult males and females, and on the development of offspring. |
| Specific target organ toxicity, single or repeated exposure | Products that cause or may cause damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys or blood after a single or prolonged or repeated exposure. |
| Aspiration hazard | Aspiration is the entry of a liquid or solid chemical into the trachea and lower respiratory system, directly through the mouth or nose or indirectly from vomiting. Aspiration toxicity includes severe acute effects such as chemical pneumonia, varying degrees of lung injury, or death. |
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Summary notes for Element 7 · Cheat sheet · Glossary. A study aid, not published or endorsed by NEBOSH.