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Glossary
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Absolute -
A
chemical substance that is relatively free of impurities.
Absorb -
The
penetration of a solid substance by a liquid as by capillary,
osmotic, solvent or chemical action. Chemicals are readily
absorbed into the human blood stream through the eyes or cuts in
the skin.
Acid -
An
organic or inorganic compound with a pH of less than
7.
Acidic materials are corrosive to human tissue.
Acute Toxicity -
Refers to adverse effects suffered as the result of a short,
one-time exposure to toxic materials. It occurs within a
relatively short period. Exposure is measured in seconds,
minutes, or hours relative to inhalation or skin absorption.
Base -
Chemical compounds that have a pH of greater then
7.
Bases are also referred to as alkalis or caustic materials and
can be corrosive to human tissue.
Biohazard Wastes
- Discarded materials "that are biological agents or conditions
(as an infectious organism or unsecure laboratory condition)
that constitutes a hazard to man or his environment." This
definition includes "any and all substances which contain
materials to which organisms may cause injury or disease to man
or his environment, but which are not regulated as controlled
industrial waste."
Boiling Point -
The
temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid is
equivalent to the surrounding atmospheric pressure and the
liquid rapidly becomes a vapor. Flammable substances
possessing low boiling points are considered fire hazards.
Carcinogen
- Any substance that causes the development of cancerous growths
in living tissue, either those that are known to induce cancer
in man or animals or experimental carcinogens that have been
found to cause cancer in animals under experimental conditions.
Chemical Hygiene Plan -
A
written program developed and implemented by the employer, which
sets forth procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment,
and work practices that are capable of protecting employees from
the health hazards presented by hazardous chemicals used in that
particular workplace. The ECU plan is available for view
on the EHS web page at
http://www.ecu.edu/oehs/labsafetymain
Chemical Reactivity -
The
ability of a material to chemically change, possibly resulting
in explosion hazards or the liberation of toxic fumes.
Chronic Toxicity -
Adverse health effects resulting from repeated or long-term
exposure to toxic materials.
Corrosive -
A
chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible
alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the site of
contact.
Dyspnea -
Shortness of breath; difficult or labored breathing.
Emergency Spills -
Accidental chemical discharges that present an immediate danger
to personnel and/or the environment. Under these circumstances,
leave the spill site immediately and send for help. Management
of these spills is the responsibility of specially trained and
equipped personnel.
EPA -
The
Environmental Protection Agency federally regulates and enforces
Federal environmental protection standards.
Explosive -
A
chemical that causes a sudden, almost instantaneous release of
pressure, gas, and heat when subjected to sudden shock,
pressure, or high temperature.
Flammability -
The
ease with which a liquid, solid, or gas will ignite, either
spontaneously (pyrophoric) or as the result of a spark or an
open flame. The more flammable a material, the more
readily ignition occurs.
Hazard -
The possibility that exposure to a substance will cause injury
when a specific quantity is used under certain conditions.
Hazardous Chemical -
A
chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence
based on at least one study conducted in accordance with
established scientific principles that acute or chronic health
effects may occur in exposed employees. The term "health hazard"
includes chemicals which are carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic
agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers,
hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents which act on the
hematopoietic systems, and agents which damage the lungs, skin,
eyes, or mucous membranes.
IDLH -
Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health. Maximum
Concentration from which one could escape within
30
minutes without any escape-impairing symptoms or any
irreversible health effects.
Infectious Waste -
Waste
that is capable of producing disease. For waste to be
considered infectious, it must contain oncogenic viruses or
other pathogenic microorganisms with sufficient virulence and
quantity that exposure to the waste could result in an
infectious disease.
Irritant -
Chemical substances that cause tissue inflammation or soreness
upon absorption, inhalation, or ingestion.
Mutagen -
Chemical compounds that induce mutations in DNA and living
cells.
Narcosis -
Stupor or unconsciousness caused by exposure to a chemical.
NIOSH -
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Part
of the Centers for Disease Control of the Public Health Service
of the Department of Health and Human Services. It
conducts research and development in occupational safety and
health, advises OSHA in rulemaking, approves respirators and
promotes health and safety training and education.
Organic -
Any
chemical compound containing carbon.
OSHA -
Occupational Safety and Health Administration - the branch of
federal government charged with worker health and safety.
Oxidizer -
A
chemical that initiates or promotes combustion in materials,
thereby causing fire either of itself or by the release of
oxygen or other gases.
Personal Protective
Equipment -
Any devices or clothing worn by the worker to protect against
hazards in the environment. Examples are respirators, gloves,
and chemical splash goggles.
Physical Hazard -
A substance, which is a compressed gas, explosive, flammable,
organic peroxide, oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable or water
reactive.
Respiratory Hazard
- A particular concentration of an airborne contaminant that,
when it enters the body by way of the respiratory system or by
being breathed into the lungs, results in some bodily function
impairment.
Poison -
Any
substance harmful to living tissue when applied in small doses.
Determining factors include concentration, exposure time,
particle size, affinity for tissue, and sensitivity of the
exposed tissue to that compound.
REL -
Recommended Exposure Level. Exposure guidelines published
by NIOSH.
Sensitizer -
A
chemical that causes a substantial proportion of exposed people
or animals to develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue
after repeated exposure to the chemical.
Teratogen -
An agent or substance that may cause physical defects in the
developing embryo or fetus when a pregnant female is exposed to
that substance.
Toxic -
Substances such as carcinogens, irritants, or poisonous gases,
liquids, and solids, which are irritating to or affect the
health of humans.
TWA -
Time
Weighted Average is the concentration for a normal
8-hour
working day (40
hours/week) to which workers may be exposed without anticipated
adverse effect.
Vapor -
The
gaseous form of substances, which are normally in the liquid or
solid state (at normal room temperature and pressure).
Water Reactive -
A
chemical that reacts with water to release a gas that is either
flammable or presents a health hazard.
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