shhc

CA

Carcinogen

A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer. Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death.

CO

Corrosive

Corrosive substances are gases, liquids or solids that cause destruction of human skin or severe corrosion of containers. The concentration and duration of exposure control the degree of injury. Acids, caustics, soaps, detergents, and lye are examples of corrosives.

Flammable

Flammable substances are solids, liquids, vapors or gases that ignite easily and burn rapidly. These chemicals are classified by their flash point. Flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid will give off vapors in sufficient concentrations to ignite. Flammable substances are classified into four groups. The two most hazardous are F4 and F3.

F4

Flammable – 4th degree

materials that readily vaporize and/or burn readily in the air

F3

Flammable – 3rd degree

liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient air conditions

MU

Mutagen

A mutagen is a substance that causes mutations. A mutation is a change in the genetic material in a body cell. Mutations can lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer.

Reactive – is used interchangeably with the NPFA (National Fire Protection Association) term “instability”

Reactive or unstable chemicals (solid, liquid or gas) are substances that produce or release energy in the form of heat or an explosion when under pressure, exposed to light, or subjected to friction or ignition. These materials may also develop toxic or flammable vapors when mixed with water. Reactive substances are classified into four groups. The three most hazardous are R4, R3, and R2.

R4

Reactive – 4th degree

materials readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction at normal temperature and pressure

R3

Reactive – 3rd degree

materials capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction, but which require strong initiating source or which must be heated under confinement before initiation

R2

Reactive – 2nd degree

materials normally unstable and readily undergo violent chemical change but do not detonate

TE

Teratogen

A teratogen is a substance that causes birth defects by damaging the embryo or fetus. These chemicals cause specific abnormalities at specific times during pregnancy. These abnormalities can lead to mental or physical disabilities that may be fatal.

If you have any questions, please call the Right to Know Program at (609) 984-2202.

Special Health Hazard (SHH) Codes
Code	Hazard	Definition
CA	Carcinogen	A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer. Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death.

CO	Corrosive	Corrosive substances are gases, liquids or solids that cause destruction of human skin or severe corrosion of containers. The concentration and duration of exposure control the degree of injury. Acids, caustics, soaps, detergents, and lye are examples of corrosives.

Flammable		Flammable substances are solids, liquids, vapors or gases that ignite easily and burn rapidly. These chemicals are classified by their flash point. Flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid will give off vapors in sufficient concentrations to ignite. Flammable substances are classified into four groups. The two most hazardous are F4 and F3.
F4	Flammable – 4th degree	materials that readily vaporize and/or burn readily in the air
F3	Flammable – 3rd degree	liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient air conditions

MU	Mutagen	A mutagen is a substance that causes mutations. A mutation is a change in the genetic material in a body cell. Mutations can lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer.

Reactive – is used interchangeably with the NPFA (National Fire Protection Association) term “instability”		Reactive or unstable chemicals (solid, liquid or gas) are substances that produce or release energy in the form of heat or an explosion when under pressure, exposed to light, or subjected to friction or ignition. These materials may also develop toxic or flammable vapors when mixed with water. Reactive substances are classified into four groups. The three most hazardous are R4, R3, and R2.
R4	Reactive – 4th degree	materials readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction at normal temperature and pressure
R3	Reactive – 3rd degree	materials capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction, but which require strong initiating source or which must be heated under confinement before initiation
R2	Reactive – 2nd degree	materials normally unstable and readily undergo violent chemical change but do not detonate

TE	Teratogen	A teratogen is a substance that causes birth defects by damaging the embryo or fetus. These chemicals cause specific abnormalities at specific times during pregnancy. These abnormalities can lead to mental or physical disabilities that may be fatal.
If you have any questions, please call the Right to Know Program at (609) 984-2202.