ACGIH
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc., (ACGIH) deals with the protection of the health of those involved in industry. ACGIH investigates, reviews and recommends exposure limits for chemical substances and publishes "Threshold Limit Values (TLVs)" for over 700 chemical substances and physical agents. For more information: www.acgih.org

Acute Effect
An effect that occurs almost immediately (hours/days) after a single or brief exposure to a toxic agent. Generally, acute effects will be evident within 14 days

Acute Health Effect
An adverse health effect resulting from a single exposure to a substance.

Aerosols
Aerosols are airborne particulates. They may be solids or liquid droplets.

Allergy
An immune hypersensitivity reaction of body tissues to allergens that can affect the skin (urticaria), respiratory tract (asthma), gastrointestinal tract (vomiting and nausea) or produce a systemic circulatory response (anaphylactic response).

Ambient environment
The surrounding environment. This can refer to ambient air, ambient water, or ambient soil.

Anemia
A condition in which there is reduced or impaired red blood cells or hemoglobin resulting in an inadequate capacity of the blood to transport oxygen to body tissues.

Anoxia
An insufficient (below normal) supply of oxygen in the body tissues.

Antidote
A remedy for counteracting a poison.

Asphyxiant
A relatively non-toxic gas that in high concentrations in the air results in insufficient oxygen in arterial blood or in the tissues.

Aspiration
The act of breathing in particulates or mists.

Biodegradation
Breakdown of a chemical into smaller less complex molecules by microorganisms in environmental media (e.g., soil, water, sediment).

Body Burden
The concentration of a substance which has accumulated in the body.

Bone Marrow
The tissue within the internal open space of bones (e.g., shaft of long bones) in which the blood-forming elements exist.

Cancer
An uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, creating a tumor that can invade surrounding tissues and may spread (metastasis) to distant organs.

Carcinogen
A substance that causes or is believed to cause cancer. A carcinogenic substance is one that is known to cause cancer.

Carcinogenicity
The complex process whereby normal body cells are transformed to cancer cells.

CAS Number

Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number is a unique identifier for a chemical and its synonyms. CAS numbers identify the chemical, but not its concentration or specific mixture.  CAS Registry Numbers are assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service, a division of the American Chemical Society. For more information: www.cas.org

We have assigned ID numbers (with 6 leading zeros or nines, e.g., 000000-xx-x or 999999-xx-x) for blends and chemicals that do not have CAS numbers.

Chronic Dose
Substance administered or received gradually over a long period of time (months to years).

Chronic Effect
An effect that either shows up a long time after an exposure (the latency period) or an effect that results from a long-term (chronic) exposure.

Chronic Health Effect
An adverse health effect resulting from long-term exposure to a substance.

Cirrhosis
A chronic condition of the liver in which liver cells are replaced by fibrous cells.

CNS
The central nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Combustible Liquid
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a combustible liquid as “any liquid having a flash point at or above 100 deg. F., but below 200 deg. F., except any mixture having components with flashpoints of 200 deg. F., or higher, the total volume of which make up 99 percent or more of the total volume of the mixture.”

Combustible Solid
Solids that are capable of igniting and burning.

Control Group
It is the group of patients that serves as the basis of comparison when assessing the effects of the intervention of interest that is given to the patients in the treatment group. Depending upon the circumstances of the trial, a control group may receive no treatment, a "usual" or "standard" treatment, or a placebo.

Cornea
The transparent front surface of the eye.

Corrosion
Direct chemical action that results in irreversible damage at the site of contact. It is manifested by ulceration, necrosis, and scar formation.

cpid
The Consumer Product Information Database (cpid) contains health effects information for products used in the home that contain chemicals. The cpid links brand names to health effects and allows consumers to select brands based on their individual sensitivity to specific chemical ingredients. This database does not contain any information about foods or pharmaceuticals.

CPSC
Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is a federal agency responsible for protecting the public from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. For more information: www.cpsc.gov

Dermal
Relating to the skin.

Dermal Toxicity
Toxicity of the skin which can range from mild irritation to corrosivity, hypersensitivity, and skin cancer.

Dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin typically marked by reddening, swelling, oozing, crusting or scaling.

Discontinued Product
“-discontinued” shown after a product name indicates that this product is no longer being produced, as confirmed by its manufacturer. We will retain this listing because consumers might still possess this product. It is important to note that other products might have been discontinued, but since we have not received any confirmation from their manufacturers, we continue to display them in this database.

Dosage
The determination of quantity of a substance received that incorporates the size, frequency, and duration of doses (e.g., 10 mg every 8 hours for 5 days).

Dose
The amount of a substance received at one time. Dose is usually expressed as administered or absorbed dose (e.g., milligrams material/kilogram of body weight).

Dose-Response Assessment
The relation between dose levels and associated effects.

DOT
Department of Transportation. DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) oversees the safety of shipments of hazardous materials. For more information: www.phmsa.dot.gov

Ecologic
A term referring to the general environment.

Ecotoxicity
The toxic effects on environmental organisms other than humans.

ED50
Effective dose 50%. The estimated dose that causes some specific effect (usually desirable) for 50% of the population.

Edema
The retention of fluid in an organ or in the body.

Effluent
The discharge of waste from a plant or other source into the environment.

Environmental Fate
The fate of a substance following its release into the environment. It includes the movement and persistence of the substance.

Enzyme
A protein which serves as a catalyst for chemical reactions in cells.

Enzyme Inhibitor
A substance which causes a decrease in levels of an enzyme.

Epidemiology
The study of the relative characteristics of exposed and nonexposed human populations for the purpose of detecting harmful effects.

Epidermis
The outer layer of the skin.

Excretion
A process whereby substances (or metabolites) are eliminated from the body.

Exposure
Contact with a foreign substance, usually by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.

Exposure Assessment
The analysis or estimation of the intensity, frequency, and duration of human exposures to an agent.

Exposure Dose
The amount of a substance in the environment to which a person is subjected.

FDA
Food and Drug Administration. A federal agency responsible for the safety evaluation of drugs, cosmetics, food additives, and medical devices. FDA regulates the labeling of cosmetics. For more information: www.cfsan.fda.gov

Fetus
The unborn offspring in the postembryonic period, after major structures have been outlined. In humans this occurs from 8-9 weeks after conception until birth.

Fibrosis
The formation of scar tissue in an organ, generally by replacement of functional organ cells by non-functional fibrous tissue.

FIFRA
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. A federal law, administered by the EPA, to evaluate and register pesticides.

Flash Point
Flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid can form an ignitable mixture in air near the surface of the liquid. The lower the flash point, the easier it is to ignite the material.

Gastrointestinal
Related to stomach and intestine.

Genetic Toxicity
Toxic effects that result from damage to DNA and altered genetic expression.

Genotoxic
Toxic effects that result from damage to DNA and altered genetic expression.

Hazard
The inherent adverse effect of a substance.

Hazard Communication Standard
An OSHA standard established in 1983 requiring all employers to inform employees of the hazard of chemicals in the workplace and the steps necessary to avoid harm. This standard, defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (29CFR Part 1910.1200), requires that “the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are evaluated, and that information concerning their hazards is transmitted to employers and employees. The transmittal of information is to be accomplished by means of comprehensive hazard communication programs, which are to include container labeling and other forms of warning, material safety data sheets and employee training.” For more information: www.osha.gov

Health Hazard
Health hazard means 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 persons exposed. 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 system, and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.

Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver.

Hepatotoxicity
Toxicity of the liver and associated bile duct and gall bladder.

Hepatotoxin
A substance that is toxic to the liver.

HMIS®

HMIS^®, the Hazardous Materials Identification System, is a registered mark of the National Paint and Coatings Association (NPCA) but is used by all manufacturers to comply with the requirements of OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard. HMIS^® uses colored bars, numbers and symbols to convey the severity of hazards of chemicals. Only numbers are used in this database to convey the severity of the hazards of chemical ingredients of each brand when used in the workplace. These ratings were determined for each brand by its manufacturer and documented in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) published by the manufacturer.

• “Health” denotes the health hazard. The health rating is based on the toxicity of chemicals contained in a specific brand and its ability to cause skin and eye irritation. 
• “Fire” denotes the fire hazard, and ratings are assigned based on the flashpoint and boiling point of the materials contained in a specific brand.
• “Reactivity” denotes the reactivity hazard from exposure to materials contained in the indicated brand. Reactivity ratings are based on the material’s potential to release violent energy under conditions of fire, water contact, high temperature or pressure, or proximity to activating substances.

The level of severity for acute exposures is as follows:

0 = Minimal

1 = Slight

2 = Moderate

3 = Serious

4 = Severe

N = No information provided by manufacturer

The addition of an asterisk (*) after the number indicates that exposure to chemicals in the specific brand could also pose a chronic hazard (such as emphysema or kidney damage).

Hypersensitivity
A state of altered immune reactivity in which the body reacts with an exaggerated response to a foreign agent.

Hypoxia
A partial reduction in the oxygen concentration supplied to cells or tissues.

IARC
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), compiles several databases on carcinogenic risk to humans, epidemiology and cancer control. IARC classifies chemicals and mixtures into four basic groups.  Group 1 consists of chemicals that are known to be carcinogenic to humans. Group 2A consists of chemicals that are probably carcinogenic to humans. Group 2B consists of chemicals that are possibly carcinogenic to humans. Group 3 consists of chemicals that are unclassifiable as to carcinogenicity in humans. Group 4 consists of chemicals that are probably not carcinogenic to humans. A database of all hazards evaluated to date by IARC may be found at  http://monographs.iarc.fr/

Immunotoxicity
Toxicity of the immune system. It may take several forms: hypersensitivity (allergy and autoimmunity), immunodeficiency, and uncontrolled proliferation (leukemia and lymphoma).

In Vitro
Outside a living organism (e.g., in a test tube).

In Vivo
Occurring within a living organism.

Interactions
Refers to measures of effects of simultaneous exposure to two or more substances. The four types of interactions are: additive, antagonistic, potentiation, or synergistic.

Irritation
Local tissue reaction without involvement of an immunologic mechanism. It is a reversible inflammation.

Kilogram (kg)
A measure of weight consisting of 1,000 grams (10³ g), equivalent to approximately 2 pounds 3 ounces.

Latency Period
The period of time between an exposure and onset of toxicity.

LD50
Lethal Dose 50%. The estimated dose at which 50% of the population is expected to die.

LOAEL
Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level. The lowest dose in a study in which there was an observed toxic or adverse effect.

Metabolism
The conversion of a chemical from one form to another.

Metabolite
A chemical produced when a substance is metabolized by a biological organism.

Mg/kg
A commonly used dose that stands for mg of a substance per kg of body weight.

Microgram (µg)
A commonly used unit of weight consisting of one millionth (1 x 10^-6) of a gram.

Milligram (mg)

The most commonly used unit of measure in medicine and toxicity consisting of one thousandth of a gram (1x10^-3 g).

MSDS
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a fact sheet prepared by manufacturers for all products that contain a chemical. MSDS's include brand-specific information such as physical data (solid, liquid, color, melting point, flash point, etc.), health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, handling, disposal, personal protection and spill/leak procedures. Specific requirements of a MSDS may be found at www.osha.gov

Nanogram (ng)
A unit of weight consisting of one billionth of a gram (1 x 10^-9 g).

Necrosis
Death, usually referring to cell death.

Nephrotoxin
A toxic agent or substance that inhibits, damages or destroys the cells and/or tissues of the kidneys.

Neurotoxin
A toxic agent or substance that inhibits, damages or destroys the tissues of the nervous system, especially neurons, the conducting cells of your body's central nervous system. Neurotoxic effects can include behavior changes, seizures, as well as wide range of effects, including death.

NIOSH
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is the only federal Institute responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for prevention of work-related illnesses and injuries. NIOSH is not a regulatory agency and therefore is not responsible for enforcing any regulations. For more information about NIOSH’s mission: www.cdc.gov/niosh

NOAEL
No Observed Adverse Effect Level. The highest dose in a toxicity study at which there were no toxic or adverse effects observed.

NTP
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) is a unit of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that coordinates toxicology research and testing activities and provides information about potentially toxic chemicals to regulatory and research agencies and the public.

Old Product

“-Old Product” shown after a product name indicates that the product is still being produced but its formulation has changed. A product with a newer formulation will have a date attached to its name.
For example, for the three products shown below, Item 1 is the version of this product with the oldest formulation and Item 3 is the newest version of this product:

Item 1. Clorox Bleach & Blue Automatic Toilet Cleaner-Old Product
Item 2. Clorox Bleach & Blue Automatic Toilet Cleaner-08/01/2003-Old Product
Item 3. Clorox Bleach & Blue Automatic Toilet Cleaner-03/02/2009

OSHA
The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration, OSHA, is a federal agency in the U.S. Department of Labor that regulates workers’ exposures to hazardous substances and requires manufacturers of products containing chemicals to develop an MSDS for each brand.

Oxidation
A change in a chemical characterized by the loss of electrons.

Oxidizer
An agent that adds oxygen chemically to a substance often by means of a series of reactions.

PEL
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is the maximum amount or concentration of a chemical that a worker may be exposed to under OSHA regulations. OSHA PELs are based on an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) exposure. PELs for over 500 chemicals may be found at www.cdc.gov/niosh/81-123.html

Percutaneous
Movement through the skin.

Petroleum Distillate
Petroleum distillates, also called hydrocarbons or petrochemicals, refer to a broad range of compounds that are extracted by distillation during the refining of crude oil. Petroleum distillates pose a special health risk if ingested and vomited. When swallowed, the lighter, more volatile distillate products can be sucked into the lungs interfering with the lung's functions and chemical pneumonia may result. Aspiration of fluid into the lungs can occur both during swallowing and vomiting of the product. Upon skin contact, petroleum distillates can produce local skin irritation and sensitivity to light in some individuals. Many brands in this database contain petroleum distillates, however, manufacturers may not indicate the specific distillate used in their products.

Pharmacokinetics
Quantitation of the time course of chemical absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination.

Pharmacology
The science that deals with the origin, nature, chemistry, effects and uses of drugs.

Phototoxic
The enhanced toxicity of a substance in or on the skin due to exposure to light (usually ultraviolet light).

Poison
A substance capable of causing toxicity when absorbed into the body in a relatively small quantity. In case of a poisoning emergency call 911 immediately or 800-222-1222 for advice.

PPB
Parts per billion. The number of units of a substance in a billion units. PPB is a common concentration unit for dilute samples of dissolved substances or airborne substances.

PPM
Parts per million. The number of units of a substance in a million units. PPM is a common concentration unit for dilute samples of dissolved substances or airborne substances. A solution with a concentration of 1 ppm has one gram of the substance for every million grams of solution.

Proposition 65
Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 was enacted to protect California citizens and the State's drinking water sources from chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm, and to inform citizens about exposures to such chemicals. This Proposition requires the Governor to publish, at least annually, a list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. The list may be found at www.oehha.ca.gov/prop65/prop65_list/Newlist.html.

Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary edema involves fluid accumulation and swelling in the lungs. It can be caused by direct lung injury from toxins including heat and poisonous gas, severe infection, or an excess of body fluid as seen in kidney failure.

Reproductive Toxicity
Toxicity of the male or female reproductive system. Toxic effects may include damage to the reproductive organs or offspring.

Reproductive Toxin
A reproductive toxin is a substance or agent that can cause adverse effects on the reproductive system. Exposure to reproductive toxins may cause one to become infertile or to have difficulty conceiving a child. Reproductive toxins may affect the parent, developing child (even after birth), or both.

Respiratory Toxicity
Toxicity of the upper (nose, pharynx, larynx, and trachea) or lower (bronchi, bronchioles, and lung alveoli) respiratory system.

Risk
The probability that a hazard or effect will occur at a specific level of exposure.

Sensitization
An immune capability developed following an individual's exposure to a specific antigen. Subsequent exposure results in an immune reaction.

Sensitizer
A substance that causes an allergic immune response.

Solvent
A substance that dissolves another substance to form a solution.

Syncope
Syncope, also known as fainting or swooning, is a temporary or brief suspension of consciousness due to deficiency of oxygen in the brain or sudden lowering of one's blood pressure.

Systemic toxin
A toxin that affects the entire body or many organs.

Teratogen
A compound that causes malformations in a developing fetus.

Threshold Limit Value (TLV)
A recommendation by the ACGIH for the highest level of exposure to a chemical that is safe.

Toxicant
An agent that produces adverse effects when absorbed into the body.

Toxin
A specific protein produced by certain plants, animals and microorganisms that is highly toxic to other organisms (snake venom).

TSCA
Toxic Substances Control Act. It is a federal law enacted in 1976 to test industrial chemicals for toxicity to humans and the environment. TSCA is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Vapor Pressure
The pressure exerted when a solid or liquid is in equilibrium with its own vapor. The higher the vapor pressure the higher the volatility.

VOC’s
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure and easily form vapors at normal temperature and pressure. The term is generally applied to organic solvents certain paint additives, aerosol spray can propellants, fuels (such as gasoline, and kerosene), petroleum distillates, dry cleaning products and many other industrial and consumer products ranging from office supplies to building materials.

Volatility
The ability of a substance to change from liquid or solid form to a gaseous form.