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What are hazardous substances?
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A substance is defined as hazardous if:
- it is listed on the national Hazardous Substances Information System and the concentration of the substance or its ingredients equals or exceeds the listed concentration cut-off levels, or
- it meets the criteria set out in the national Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances.
For further information refer to:
- Hazardous Substances Information System
- Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances [pdf]
Some well-known hazardous substances are:
- acute toxins such as cyanide
- substances such as silica which are harmful after repeated or prolonged exposure
- corrosives such as sulphuric acid and caustic soda
- irritants such as ammonia
- sensitising agents such as isocyanates (a group of chemicals used in the manufacture of polyurethane plastics, synthetic rubbers, foams, paints, varnishes and adhesives)
- teratogens (substances which can cause birth defects), for example mercury
- carcinogens (cancer causing substances) such as benzene and vinyl chloride.