|
Safety and Health Topics |
|
Hazardous and Toxic Substances |
|
|
|
|
In
Focus |
|
|
Hazardous and toxic substances are defined as those
chemicals present in the workplace which are capable of causing harm. In this
definition, the term chemicals includes dusts, mixtures, and common materials
such as paints, fuels, and solvents. OSHA currently regulates exposure to approximately
400 substances. The OSHA
Chemical Sampling Information (CSI) file contains listings
for approximately 1500 substances; the Environmental Protection Agency's
(EPA's) Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Substances Inventory lists
information on more than 62,000 chemicals or chemical substances; some libraries
maintain files of material safety data sheets (MSDS) for more than 100,000 substances.
It is not possible to address the hazards associated with each of these chemicals
in this safety and health topics page, however, the following questions
link to information relevant to many hazardous and toxic substances in the workplace.
|
|
What OSHA standards
apply?
Standards | Standard Interpretations |
|
How can hazardous and toxic substances be recognized in the workplace?
Specific Chemical Information |
|
What are examples of possible solutions to workplace hazards?
|
|
What additional information is available?
Related Safety and Health Topics Pages | Training | Other Resources |
|
In Focus |
|
|
|
|
|
|