Definitions of Terms Used in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's)

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is required under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. The MSDS is a detailed informational document prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a hazardous chemical.  It describes the physical and chemical properties of the product. MSDS’s contain useful information such as flash point, toxicity, procedures for spills and leaks, and storage guidelines. Information included in a Material Safety Data Sheet aids in the selection of safe products, helps you understand the potential health and physical hazards of a chemical and describes how to respond effectively to exposure situations. Although there is an effort currently underway to standardizes MSDS’s the quality of individual MSDS’s vary. A MSDS may be useful but it can not substitute for prudent practices and comprehensive risk management.

T They are required as a part of any compliance obligation to be available and displayed prominently in the workplace. The public has a right to MSDS data upon request. They must be written in English and contain: the name of the chemical (same as on the label) the chemical and common names of the substance a listing of the ingredients a statement of the ingredients that are known carcinogens or that present other known hazards any specific hazards In general, if your business uses hazardous chemicals (as opposed to manufacturing or importing them for sale to others) you should be able to obtain a MSDS from the manufacturer, so that you can post it in the workplace and keep it in your records. If you are a manufacturer, who is looking for the MSDS form to create a sheet,  OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) specifies certain information that must be included on MSDSs, but does not require that any particular format be followed in presenting this information (see 29 CFR 1910.1200 (g)). In order to promote consistent presentation of information, OSHA recommends that MSDSs follow the 16-section format established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard for preparation of MSDSs (Z400.1). ANSI, of course will charge you $65 if you want a copy (rip-off!!!)   Here is a sample of the the form, for free (right click and select "save target as" if you want to save a copy to your hard drive, where you can open it and work on it).  Here is a checklist to help you prepare it. By following this recommended format, the information of greatest concern to workers is featured at the beginning of the data sheet, including information on chemical composition and first aid measures. More technical information that addresses topics such as the physical and chemical properties of the material and toxicological data appears later in the document. While some of this information (such as ecological information) is not required by the HCS, the 16-section MSDS is becoming the international norm. The 16 sections are: Identification Hazard(s) identification Composition/information on ingredients First-aid measures Fire-fighting measures Accidental release measures Handling and storage Exposure controls/personal protection Physical and chemical properties Stability and reactivity Toxicological information Ecological information Disposal considerations Transport information Regulatory information Other information If you want to see the older OSHA form, you can see the OSHA 174 MSDS form online here OR download a blank MSDS form as Word rtf file here for free (right click and select "save target as" if you want to save a copy to your hard drive, where you can open it and work on it).!

To find an MSDS, click here! For the dictionary of terms scroll down this page. 

Definitions

	ABSOLUTE: Chemical substance that is relatively free of impurities.
	ABSOLUTE PRESSURE: The total pressure within a vessel, pipe, etc., not offset by external atmospheric pressure.
	ABSORPTION: To take in and make a part of an existing whole. The penetration of a solid substance by a liquid as by capillary, osmotic, solvent or chemical action.
	ACGIH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. An organization of professionals in governmental agencies or educational institutions engaged in occupational safety and health programs. ACGIH develops and publishes recommended occupational exposure limits for chemical substances and physical agents.
	ACID: Any chemical which undergoes dissociation in water with the formation of hydrogen ions. Acids have a sour taste and may cause severe burns. They turn litmus paper red and have ph values of 0 to 6. Acids will neutralize bases or alkaline media. Acids will react with a base to form a salt.
	ACIDOSIS: Condition of decreased alkalinity of the blood and tissues marked by sickly sweet breath, headache, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances; usually the result of excessive acid production.
	ACRID: Irritating and bitter.
	ACTION LEVEL: Exposure level at which OSHA regulations to protect employees takes effect. Exposure at or above the action level is termed occupational exposure. Exposure below this level can also be harmful.
	ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Ingredient of a product that actually does what the product is designed to do. The remaining ingredients may be inert.
	ACUTE EFFECT: Adverse effect on a human or animal body, that takes place soon after exposure.
	ACUTE LETHALITY: Death of animals immediately or within 14 days after a single dose of or exposure to a toxic substance.
	ACUTE TOXICITY: Adverse effects resulting from a single dose of or exposure to a substance.
	ADSORB: Collect gas or liquid molecules on the surface of another material.
	ADENOCARCINOMA: A tumor with glandular (secreting) elements.
	ADENOSIS: Any disease of a gland.
	ADHESION: A union of two surfaces that are normally separate.'
	AEROSOL: Fine aerial suspension of liquid (mist, fog) or solid (dust, fume, smoke) particles small enough to be stable.
	AGENT: Any substance, force, radiation, organism, or influence that affects the body. Effects may be beneficial or injurious.
	AIR-LINE RESPIRATOR: A respirator that is connected to a compressed breathable air source by a hose of small diameter. The air is delivered continuously or intermittently in a sufficient volume to meet the wearer's breathing requirements.
	AIR-PURIFYING RESPIRATOR: A respirator that uses chemicals to remove specific gases and vapors from the air or that uses a mechanical filter to remove particulate matter. An air-purifying respirator must only be used when there is sufficient oxygen to sustain life and the air contaminant level is below the concentration limits of the device.
	ALARA: Acronym for "as low as reasonably achievable."
	ALKALI: Any chemical substance which forms soluble soaps with fatty acids. Alkalis are also referred to as bases. May cause severe burns to the skin. Alkalis turn litmus paper blue and have ph values from 8 to 14.
	ALLERGIC REACTION: Abnormal physiological response to a chemical stimuli by a sensitive person.
	ALLERGIC RESPIRATORY REACTION: Labored breathing, coughing, or gasping caused by inhaling a particular substance.
	ALLERGIC SKIN REACTION: Reddening, swelling and/or itching of the skin following contact with a substance to which a person has become sensitized due to previous skin contact or natural body conditions.
	ALOPECIA: Loss of hair.
	AMBIENT: Usual or surrounding conditions.
	AMENORRHEA: Absence of menstruation.
	AMES TEST: Short term test commonly used for preliminary screening of chemicals to see if they cause mutations in a special type of bacterial cell.
	ANALGESIA: Loss of sensitivity to pain.
	ANESTHETIC: Chemical that causes a total or partial loss of sensation. Overexposure to anesthetics can cause impaired judgment, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, unconsciousness, and even death.
	ANHYDRIDE: Compound derived from other compound by removing elements composing water (hydrogen and oxygen).
	ANHYDROUS: No water. Substance in which no water molecules are present as hydrate or as water crystallization.
	ANOREXIA: Loss of appetite.
	ANOSMIA: Loss of the sense of smell.
	ANOXIA: Lack of oxygen from inspired air. ANSI: American National Standards Institute. A privately funded organization that identifies industrial/public national consensus standards and coordinates their development.
	ANTIDOTE: Remedy to relieve, prevent, or counteract the effects of a poison.
	ANURIA: Absence or defective excretion of urine.
	API: American Petroleum Institute is an organization of the petroleum industry.
	APNEA: Breathing temporarily stopped.
	APPEARANCE: Physical state of a material.
	AQUATIC TOXICITY (AQTX): Adverse effects on marine life that result from their being exposed to a toxic substance.
	AQUEOUS: Water-based solution or suspension. Frequently, a gaseous compound dissolved in water.
	ARGYRIA: Local or generalized gray/blue-colored impregnation of the body tissue with silver.
	ARTICLE: Manufactured item specifically shaped or formed with function dependent on shape or design. Does not release or result in exposure to a hazardous material in normal use. Excluded from Hazard Communication Laws unless it gives off dust or fumes.
	ASBESTOSIS: Chronic lung disease caused by inhaling airborne asbestos fibers.
	ASPHYXIA: Lack of oxygen and interference with the oxygenation of the blood. Can lead to unconsciousness.
	ASPHYXIANT: Vapor or gas which causes unconsciousness or death by suffocation. Most simple asphyxiants are harmful to the body only when they become so concentrated that they reduce oxygen in air (normally 21%) to dangerous levels (16% or lower). Asphyxiation is a potential hazard of working in confined spaces. Some chemicals like Carbon Dioxide function as chemical asphyxiants by reducing the blood's ability to carry oxygen.
	ASPIRATION HAZARD: Danger of drawing material into the lungs leading to an inflammatory response.
	ASTHMA: Disease characterized by recurrent attacks of dyspnea, wheezing, and perhaps coughing caused by spasmodic contraction of the bronchiole in the lungs.
	ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials.
	ASYMPTOMATIC: Neither causing nor exhibiting symptoms.
	ATAXIA: Loss of muscular coordination.
	ATMOSPHERE (atm.): Pressure measurement. One atmosphere (atm) = 14.7 lbs/sq in.
	ATROPHY: Wasting or diminution in the size of tissue, organs, or the entire body caused by lack of use.
	AUTOIGNITION TEMPERATURE: Minimum temperature which a substance must be heated without application of flame or spark to cause substance to ignite. Materials should not be heated to greater than 80% of this temperature.
	BACT - Best Available Control Technology  The best control technology that is available for each contaminant. This determination will be made by the Commissioner on a case-by-case basis taking into account energy, environmental, health risk, costs and economic impacts of alternative control systems.
	BAL: British Anti-Lewisite. A name for the drug dimecaprol--a treatment for toxic inhalations.
	BASE: Substances that (usually) liberate OH anions when dissolved in water. Bases react with acids to form salts and water. Bases have a pH greater than 7, turn litmus paper blue, and may be corrosive to human tissue. A strong base is called alkaline or caustic.
	BAUME: Arbitrary scale of specific gravities; used to determine specific gravities and in graduation of hydrometers.
	BCM: Blood-clotting mechanism effects.
	BENIGN: Not recurrent or not tending to progress. Not cancerous.
	BIOLOGICAL EXPOSURE INDEXES (BEI): Numerical values based on procedures to determine the amount of a material absorbed into the human body by measuring it or its metabolic products in tissue, fluid or exhaled air.
	BIODEGRADABLE: Organic material's capacity for decomposition as a result of attack by microorganisms.
	BIOLOGICAL MONITORING: Periodic examination of body substances, such as blood or urine, to determine the extent of hazardous material absorption as opposed to mere exposure.
	BIOPSY: Removal and examination of tissue from the living body.
	BOILING LIQUID EXPANDING VAPOR EXPLOSION (BLEVE): Condition in which liquids are excessively heated, which may result in the violent rupture of a container, and the rapid vaporization of the material. The possibility of a BLEVE increases with the volatility of the material.
	BODY BURDEN: Total amount of a toxic material that a person has ingested or inhaled from all sources over time.
	BOILING POINT (BP): Temperature at which a liquid changes to a vapor state at a given pressure. Flammable materials with low boiling points generally present special fire hazards.
	BOM, or BuMINES: Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of Interior.
	BONDING: Safety practice where two objects are interconnected with clamps and bare wire. This equalizes electrical potential between the objects and helps prevent static sparks that could ignite flammable materials.
	BRADYCARDIA: A slow heartbeat with pulse rate below 60/minute.
	BRONCHITIS: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs.'
	BRITISH THERMAL UNIT (BTU): Quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water 1 degree F at 39.2F, its temperature of maximum density.
	BUFFER: Substance that reduces the change in hydrogen ion concentration (pH) that otherwise would be produced by adding acids or bases to a solution.
	BULK DENSITY: The mass (weight) per unit volume of a solid particulate material as it is normally packed, with voids between particulates containing air. Usually expressed as lb/ft3 or g/cm3.
	BUNA: Trademark for synthetic rubber and rubberlike materials such as Buna-N (Nitrile) or Buna-S (Styrene).

	C: Centigrade, a unit of temperature.
	CALORIE: Standard unit of heat. A calorie is the amount of heat required to raise 1 gram of water 1 degree C.
	CARBON DIOXIDE: (CO2) heavy, colorless gas produced by combustion and decomposition of organic substances and as by-product of chemical processes. Will not burn, relatively non-toxic, and unreactive. Can cause oxygen deficient environments in large concentrations. Is useful as fire-extinguishing agent to block oxygen and smother fire.
	CARBON MONOXIDE: (CO) colorless, odorless, flammable, and very toxic gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon compounds and as a by-product of many chemical processes. A chemical asphyxiant, it reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen.
	CARCINOGEN: Substance or agent capable of causing or producing cancer in mammals. Suspect Human Carcinogen A substance suspected of inducing cancer based on human evidence or demonstration by appropriate methods, or carcinogenesis in two or more animal species or strains. Confirmed Human Carcinogen Substances recognized to have carcinogenic or cocarcinogenic potential in humans.
	CARCINOMA: Malignant tumor or cancer; a new growth made up of epithelial cells tending to grow rapidly, infiltrate other cells, and give rise to metastasis (spreading).
	(CAS) CHEMICAL ABSTRACTS SERVICE NUMBER: An assigned number used to identify a chemical. CAS stands for Chemical Abstracts Service, an organization that indexes information published in Chemical Abstracts by the American Chemical Society and that provides index guides by which information about particular substances may be located in the abstracts. Sequentially assigned CAS numbers identify specific chemicals, except when followed by an asterisk(*) which signifies a compound (often naturally occurring) of variable composition. the numbers have no chemical significance. The CAS number is a concise, unique means of material identification.
	CATALYST: Substance that modifies a chemical reaction (makes it faster or slower) without being consumed.
	CATARACT: Loss of transparency of the crystalline lens of the eye or its capsule.
	CAUSTIC: See Alkali.
	CC: Closed cup. Identifies one of the methods used to measure flash points of flammable liquids.
	cc, cm3: Cubic centimeter.
	CEILING: Maximum allowable human exposure limit for airborne substances; not to be exceeded even momentarily.
	CENTIPOISE: cgs unit of the measure of viscosity equal to 1/100 poise. Viscosity of water at 20C is approximately 1 centipose.
	CENTIMETER, cm: 1/100 meter. A cm = approximately 0.4 in.
	CERCLA: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. The Superfund Law, Public Law PL 96-510, found at 40 CFR 300. The EPA has jurisdiction.
	CFC: Chlorofluorocarbon. Associated with damage to the Earth's ozone layer.
	CFR: Code of Federal Regulations. A collection of the regulations established by law.
	cgs: Metric units of measure based upon centimeter, gram, and second.
	CHELATIING AGENT: Chemical compound capable of forming multiple chemical bonds to a metal ion. Used to treat metal poisoning.
	CHEMICAL: Any element, chemical compound, or mixture of elements and/or compounds.
	CHEMICAL CARTRIDGE RESPIRATOR: Respirator using various chemical substances to purify inhaled air of certain contaminative gases or vapors. Typically effective for concentrations no more than 10 times the TLV of the contaminant if it has warning properties (odor or irritation) below the TLV.
	CHEMICAL FAMILY: Group of single elements or compounds with a common general name.
	CHEMICAL FORMULA: Gives the number and kinds of atoms that comprise a molecule of a material.
	CHEMICAL NAME: Scientific designation of name that clearly identifies chemical for hazard evaluation purposes.
	CHEMICAL PNEUMONITIS: Inflammation of the lungs caused by accumulation of fluids due to chemical irritation.
	CHEMICAL REACTIVITY: Ability of a material to chemically change. Undesirable and dangerous effects such as heat, explosions, or the production of noxious substances can result.
	CHEMTREC: 24-hour toll free telephone number (800-424-9300), intended primarily for use by those who respond to chemical transportation emergencies. Established by the Chemical Manufacturer's Association.
	CHEMILUMINESCENCE: Emission of light during a non combustible chemical reaction.
	CHLORACNE: Acne-like eruption caused by excessive contact with certain compounds.
	CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN (CHP): Per 29 CFR 1910.1450, OSHA standard; "Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories." Effective 5/1/90. A written plan that includes specific work practices, standard operating procedures, equipment, engineering controls, and policies to ensure that employees are protected from hazardous exposure levels to all potentially hazardous chemicals in use in their work areas. The OSHA standard provides for training, employee access to information, medical consultations, examinations, hazard identification procedures, respirator use, and record keeping practices.
	CHRONIC EFFECT: Adverse effect on a human or animal body with symptoms that develop slowly over a long period of time or that recur frequently.
	CHRONIC EXPOSURE: Long-term contact with a substance.
	CHRONIC TOXICITY: Adverse effects resulting from repeated doses of or exposures to a material over a relatively prolonged period of time. Ordinarily used to denote effects noted in experimental animals.
	CNS: Central Nervous System, the brain and spinal cord.
	COEFFICIENT OF WATER/OIL DISTRIBUTION: Also called the partition coefficient, it is the ratio of the solubility of a chemical in water to its solubility in oil. Used to indicate how easily human or other organisms can absorb or store a material. Sometimes abbreviated Ko/w; may also be expressed as its logarithm, log Ko/w.
	COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS: Term used by NFPA and DOT to classify certain liquids that will burn, on the basis of flash points. NFPA and DOT generally define "combustible liquids" as having a flash point of 100F or higher. They do not ignite as easily as flammable liquids; however, they can be ignited under certain conditions, and must be handled with caution.
	COMMON NAME: Designation for material other than chemical name, such as code, trade, brand, or generic name.
	COMPRESSED GAS: Material contained under pressure (dissolved gas, liquefied by compression or refrigeration).
	CONCENTRATION: Relative amount of a substance when combined or mixed with other substances.
	CONDITIONS TO AVOID: Conditions encountered during handling or storage that could cause a substance to become unstable.
	CONFINED SPACE: Any area that has limited openings for entry and exit that would make escape difficult in an emergency, has a lack of ventilation, contains known and potential hazards, and is not intended nor designated for continuous human occupancy.
	CONJUNCTIVITIS: Inflammation of conjunctiva, the delicate membrane that lines eyelid and covers the eyeball.
	CONTAINER: Any bag, barrel, bottle, box, can, cylinder, drum, reaction vessel, storage tank, or the like that contains a hazardous chemical. Under the Hazard Communication Standard pipes or piping systems, and engines, fuel tanks, or other operating systems in a vehicle are not considered to be containers.
	CORNEA: Transparent structure of the external layer of the eyeball.
	CORROSION RATE: Expressed in inches per year; accompanied by temperature.
	CORROSIVE: Liquid or solid that causes visible destruction or irreversible alterations in skin tissue at site of contact, or, in the case of leakage from its packaging, liquid that has severe corrosion rate on steel.
	CRITICAL PRESSURE/TEMPERATURE: Temperature above which a gas cannot be liquefied by pressure. The critical pressure is that pressure required to liquefy a gas at its critical temperature.'
	CRYOGENIC: Relating to extremely low temperature as for refrigerated gases.
	cu ft, ft3: Cubic foot. Cu ft is more usual.
	cu m, m3: Cubic meter. m3 is preferred.
	CURETTAGE: Cleansing of a diseased surface.
	CUTANEOUS: Pertaining to the skin.
	CYANOSIS: Dark purplish coloration of skin and mucous membrane caused by deficient oxygenation of the blood.
	DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE MATERIAL: Material that can react by itself or with water/air producing hazardous condition.
	DECOMPOSITION: Breakdown of a material or substance into parts or elements or simpler compounds.
	DEFATTING: Removal of natural oils from the skin by fat-dissolving solvents or other chemicals.
	DELIQUESCENT: Water soluble salts (usually powdered) absorb moisture from air and to soften or dissolve as a result.
	DEMULCENT: Material capable of soothing or protecting inflamed, irritated mucous membranes.
	DENSITY: Ratio of weight to volume of a material, usually in grams per cubic centimeter.
	DEPRESSANT: A substance that reduces a bodily functional activity or an instinctive desire, such as appetite.
	DERMAL: Used on or applied to the skin.
	DERMAL TOXICITY: Ratings corresponding to the following definitions are derived from data obtained from the test methods as described in 16 CFR 1500.40 and categories of toxicity as described in 16 CFR 1500.3.

	DERMATITIS: Inflammation of the skin.
	DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE: Any individual or organization to whom an employee gives written authorization to exercise such employee's rights under the Hazard Communication Standard.
	DESIGNATED AREA: An area of (or device within) a lab to be used for work with "select carcinogens", reproductive toxins, and other materials which have a high degree of acute toxicity. An administrative control intended to minimize the potential for employee exposure to hazardous chemicals.
	DIAPHORESIS: Perspiration, especially profuse.
	DIKE: A barrier constructed to control or confine hazardous substances and prevent them from entering sewers, ditches, streams, or other flowing waters.
	DILUTION VENTILATION: Air flow designed to dilute contaminants to acceptable levels.
	DISTRIBUTOR: A business, other than a chemical manufacturer or importer, which supplies hazardous chemicals to other distributors or to employers.
	DRY CHEMICAL: Powdered fire extinguishing agent, usually composed of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, etc.
	DUST: Solid particles suspended in air produced by some mechanical process, such as crushing, grinding, abrading, or blasting. Most dusts are an inhalation, fire, and dust explosion hazard.
	DYSPLASIA: An abnormality of development.
	DYSPNEA: Sense of difficulty in breathing; shortness of breath.
	DYSURIA: Difficult or painful urination.

	EDEMA: Abnormal accumulation of clear, watery fluid in body tissue.
	EFFECTIVE CONCENTRATION (EC50): Concentration of a material in water, a single dose which is expected to cause a biological effect on 50% of a group of test animals.
	ELECTROLYTE: Non-metallic substance that conducts electric current in solution by moving ions rather than electrons.
	EMBOLISM: Obstruction of a blood vessel by a transported clot, a mass of bacteria, etc.
	EMBRYO: Organism in the early stages of development before birth.
	EMBRYOTOXIN: Material harmful to a developing embryo at a concentration that has no adverse effect on the pregnant female.
	EMETIC: Agent that induces vomiting.
	EMPHYSEMA: Irreversibly diseased lung condition in which the alveolar walls have lost their resiliency, resulting in an excessive reduction in the lungs' capacity.
	EMPLOYEE: A worker who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal operating conditions or in foreseeable emergencies.
	EMPLOYER: A person engaged in a business where chemicals are either used, distributed, or are produced for use or distribution, including a contractor or subcontractor.
	ENDOTHERMIC: A chemical reaction that absorbs heat.
	ENGINEERING CONTROLS: Systems that reduce potential hazards by isolating the worker from the hazard or by removing the hazard from the work environment. Methods include ventilation, isolation, and enclosure.
	EPIDEMIOLOGY: Science that deals with the study of disease in a general population.
	EPIPHORA: Excessive flow of tears.
	EPISTAXIS: Nosebleed.
	ERGONOMICS: Study of human characteristics for the appropriate design of living and work environments.
	ERYTHEMA: Abnormally red skin from capillary congestion.
	ETIOLOGY: All of the factors that contribute to the cause of a disease or an abnormal condition.
	EVAPORATION RATE: Rate at which a particular material will vaporize when compared to the rate of vaporization of a known material. Evaporation rate can be useful in evaluating the health and fire hazards of a material.
	EXPLOSIVE: Material that produces a sudden, almost instantaneous release of pressure, gas, and heat when subjected to abrupt shock, pressure, or high temperature.
	EXPOSURE OR EXPOSED: State of being open and vulnerable to a hazardous chemical by inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, absorption, or any other course; includes potential (accidental or possible) exposure.
	EXPOSURE LIMITS: Concentration in air of a chemical that is thought to be acceptable.
	EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Fire extinguisher or extinguishing method appropriate for use on specific material.
	EYE IRRITATION: Ratings corresponding to the following definitions are derived from data obtained from test methods described in the 16 CFR 1500.42 graded pursuant to the Draize Scale for scoring ocular lesions and temporal reversibility criteria as set forth in NAS Publication 1138.

	FASCICULATION: Muscular twitching.
	FEDERAL REGISTER: Daily publication that lists and discusses the regulations of Federal agencies.
	FIBER: Basic form of matter, usually crystalline, with a high ratio of length to diameter.
	FIBROSIS: Formation of fibrous tissue, as in reparative or reactive process to particulates, in excess of amounts normally present in lung tissue walls. This reduces the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange efficiency.
	FIFRA: Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act requires that certain useful poisons, such as chemical pesticides, sold to the public contain labels that carry health hazard warnings to protect users. It is administered by EPA.
	FINES: Finely crushed or powdered material or fibers; especially those smaller than the average in a mix of various sizes.
	FIRE DIAMOND: Symbol designed by the NFPA to give a quick number rating for the particular material's degree of health (blue), flammability (red), reactivity (yellow), and specific (white) hazard.
	FIRE POINT: Lowest temperature at which liquid will produce sufficient vapor to flash near its surface and continue to burn.
	FLAMMABLE: Defined by DOT and NFPA as a liquid with a flash point below 100 degrees F. Flammable liquids are: Class 1 Liquids and may be subdivided as follows:

	Class 1A Flash point below 73 degrees F and boiling point below 100 degrees F.
	Class 1B Flash point below 73 degrees F and boiling point at or above 100 degrees F.
	Class 1C Flash point at or above 73 degrees F and below 100 degrees F.