# The Notification of New Substances Regulations 1993, Part I: categories of danger and characteristic properties


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Category of danger
Property
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Explosive
Solid, liquid, pasty or gelatinous substances which may also react exothermically without atmospheric oxygen thereby quickly evolving gases, and which under defined test conditions detonate, quickly deflagrate or upon heating explode when partially confined.
Oxidizing
Substances which give rise to a highly exothermic reaction in contact with other substances, particularly flammable substances.
Extremely flammable
Liquid substances having an extremely low flash point and a low boiling point and gaseous substances and preparations which are flammable in contact with air at ambient temperature and pressure.
Highly flammable
The following substances, namely—
(a) substances which may become hot and finally catch fire in contact with air at ambient temperature without any application of energy,
(b) solid substances which may readily catch fire after brief contact with a source of ignition and which continue to burn or to be consumed after removal of the source of ignition,
(c) liquid substances having a very low flash point, or
(d) substances which, in contact with water or damp air, evolve highly flammable gases in dangerous quantities.
Flammable
Liquid substances having a low flash point.
HEALTH EFFECTS
Very toxic
Substances which in very low quantities cause death or acute or chronic damage to health when inhaled, swallowed or absorbed via the skin.
Toxic
Substances which in low quantities cause death or acute or chronic damage to health when inhaled, swallowed or absorbed via the skin.
Harmful
Substances which may cause death or acute or chronic damage to health when inhaled, swallowed or absorbed via the skin.
Corrosive
Substances which may, on contact with living tissues, destroy them.
Irritant
Non-corrosive substances which, through immediate, prolonged or repeated contact with the skin or mucous membrane, may cause inflammation.
Sensitizing
Substances which, if they are inhaled or if they penetrate the skin, are capable of eliciting a reaction of hypersensitization such that on further exposure to the substance, characteristic effects are produced.
Carcinogenic
Substances which, if they are inhaled or ingested or if they penetrate the skin, may induce cancer or increase its incidence.
Mutagenic
Substances which, if they are inhaled or ingested or if they penetrate the skin, may induce heritable genetic defects or increase their incidence.
Toxic for reproduction
Substances which, if they are inhaled or ingested or if they penetrate the skin, may produce or increase the incidence of, non-heritable adverse effects in the progeny or the impairment of male or female reproductive functions or capacity.
ENVIRONMENT
Dangerous for the environment
Substances which, were they to enter into the environment would present or may present an immediate or delayed danger for one or more compartments of the environment.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1993/3050/schedule/1/part/I (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/notification-of-new-substances-regulations-1993/schedule-1/part-I
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.