School Infection Control Handbook - 2010

Appendix B: Selection of Products, Dispensing Equipment, and Application Systems

Appendix B.4. Environmental Protection Agency Toxicity Categories for Precautionary Statements*

Table 1. Toxicity Categories

Study

Category I

Category II >50 through 500 mg/kg

Category III

Category IV

Up to and including 50 mg/kg

>500 through 5000 mg/kg

>5000 mg/kg

Acute Oral

Acute Dermal

>2000 through 5000 mg/kg >0.5 through 2 mg/liter

Up to and including 200 mg/kg >200 through 2000 mg/kg Up to and including 0.05 mg/liter >0.05 through 0.5 mg/liter

>5000 mg/kg

Acute Inhalation (4-hour exposure) Primary Eye Irritation

>2 mg/liter

Minimal effects clearing in less than 24 hours

Corneal involvement or other eye irritation clearing in 7 days or less Moderate irritation at 72 hours (moderate erythema)

Corneal involvement or other eye irritation clearing in 8–21 days Severe irritation at 72 hours (severe erythema or edema)

Corrosive (irreversible destruction of ocular tissue) or corneal involvement or irritation persisting for more than 21 days Corrosive (tissue destruction into the dermis and/or scarring)

Primary Skin Irritation

Mild or slight irritation at 72 hours (no irritation or slight erythema)

Table 2. Typical Statements for Acute Oral Toxicity

Toxicity Category

Signal Word

Statements

Fatal if swallowed. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco, or using the toilet.

I

DANGER – POISON Skull & Crossbones required

II

WARNING May be fatal if swallowed. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco, or using the toilet. CAUTION Harmful if swallowed. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco, or using the toilet.

III

IV

CAUTION (optional)

No statements are required; however, the registrant may choose to use category III labeling.

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