Acute toxicity particularly hazardous substances

Select appropriate procedures to minimize exposure. Use the "basic prudent practices for handling chemicals," which are discussed in Chapter 5, section 5.C, for all work with chemicals in the laboratory. In addition, determine whether any of the chemicals to be handled in the planned experiment meet the definition of a particularly hazardous substance due to high acute toxicity, carcinogenicity, and/ or reproductive toxicity. If so, consider the total amount of the substance that will be used, the expected frequency of use, the chemical s routes of exposure, and the circumstances of its use in the proposed experiment. As discussed in this chapter, use this information to determine whether it is appropriate to apply the additional procedures for work with highly toxic substances and whether additional consultation with safety professionals is warranted (see Chapter 5, section 5.D). 

The types of harm that chemicals have the capacity to cause (in other words their hazards) are qualitatively different and not commensurate with each other. At one extreme are effects that require reasonably high concentrations of the substance, are immediate and localized (for example flammability, explosivity, corrosiveness and acute toxicity). The causal relationship between a particular chemical exposure and such effects is usually obvious, or at least easy to demonstrate. Those affected generally include those who deal directly with the chemical and it is often possible to handle and store the chemical in such a way that harm is avoided. The existing European Union (EU) regulatory system, dating from the 1967 dangerous substances directive (Council Directive 67/548/EEC) was clearly set up with... 

Aspiration of a substance or mixture can occur as it is vomited following ingestion. This may have consequences for labelling, particularly where, due to acute toxicity, a recommendation may be considered to induce vomiting after ingestion. However, if the substance/mixture also presents an aspiration toxicity hazard, the recommendation to induce vomiting may need to be modified. 

Special provisions for additional protection for work with particularly hazardous materials such as carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and acutely toxic substances. 

Commercial acrolein contains an inhibitor such as hydroquinone samples from which the inhibitor has been removed (e.g., by distillation) are extremely hazardous. Because of its corrosivity, flammability, and high acute toxicity, acrolein should be handled using the "basic prudent practices" of (Chapter 5.C, supplemented by the additional precautions for work with compounds of high toxicity (Chapter 5.D) and extremely flammable substances (Chapter 5.F). In particular, work with acrolein should be conducted in a fume hood to prevent exposure by inhalation, and splash goggles and butyl rubber gloves should be worn at all times to prevent eye and skin contact. Acrolein should be used only in areas free of ignition sources. Containers of acrolein should be stored in secondary containers in areas separate from amines, oxidizers, acids, and bases. 

Particularly hazardous chemicals include carcinogens, reproductive toxins, acutely toxic substances, and chemicals of unknown toxicity. Specific CHPs must be developed and documented for these situations using the information provided above as a minimal template. All protocols, training, PPE, inspections and other CHP specifics must be fully developed and documented. The control procedures for particularly hazardous chemicals are site-specific. 

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