Chemical and Physical Characteristics of Highly Toxic, Reproductive Toxins and Carcinogenic Materials

The definitions of these materials are as follows, but consult Chapter 12 of the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) for further information:

  • Listed in Appendix E of the Chemical Hygiene Plan
  • A chemical with an:
    • Oral LD50 of less than 50 milligrams per kilogram
    • Absorption LD50 of less than 200 milligrams per kilograms
    • Inhalation LC50 of less than 200 parts per million (PPM)
  • Regulated by EHSA or listed by National Toxicology Program (NTP) and International Agency for Research on Cancer Monographs (IARC) as a carcinogen:
  • Reproductive Toxins
    • Materials with undesirable reproductive effects can affect both men and women. As long as there is a potential for conception, the student or employee must consider the reproductive effects of the materials they are routinely using.
    • Mutagens and teratogens are substances that may affect the embryo, fetus or the exposed person in a manner which produces cancer or disease.
    • Effects include:
      • Sterility
      • Decreased Libido
      • Impotence
      • Interrupted Pregnancy (abortion, fetal death, premature delivery)
      • Birth Defects
      • Altered Sex Ratio
      • Chromosome Abnormalities
      • Childhood Morbidity
      • Childhood Cancer
    • Certain chemicals can pass through the breast milk to a nursing child. Other chemicals can be brought home on clothing and impact the health of very young children to the unborn child.
    • Physical hazards can also impact reproductive health.
  • Researchers should consult the health hazard and toxicity sections of the Material Safety Data Sheet for the chemical or substance.

Examples include, but are not limited to, Arsenic, Arcolein, Allyl Alcohol, Chlorine, Nickel Carbonyl, Benzene, Beryllium, Hexavalent Chromium Compounds, Ethylene Oxide, Methylene Chloride, Formaldehyde and Dimethyl Mercury.

Any questions or concerns related to the Highly Toxic and Carcinogenic Material Program should be addressed to the Chemical Hygiene Officer at dehsafety@udel.edu or call 302-831-8475.

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