SUS Lab - Chemical Terms and Safety

Vocabulary flashcards covering chemical terminology, hazards, and safety definitions from the SUS Lab pre-lab notes.

Asphyxiant

A substance causing a lack of oxygen to the blood.

Caustic

Refers to substances that eat away living tissue.

Corrosive

A more general term for substances that eat away material (usually metal, but not always!).

Flash Point

The temperature where a material releases a vapor that can be ignited by a flame or spark.

Acute Health Hazard

A hazard that has immediate effects on the body.

Chronic Health Hazard

A hazard that has a long-lasting effect on the body (usually due to long term exposure).

Irritant

Substance that causes inflammation or discomfort to the tissue.

Mutagen

Substance that causes a cellular change in DNA.

Oxidizer

A substance that facilitates or brings about a reaction with oxygen; may cause fires or flames to get bigger.

Stability

Refers to substances that "sit at low energy states" and tend not to react.

Reactivity

How easily a substance undergoes a chemical change.

Combustible

Able to be ignited (SOLIDS).

Explosive

Reacts violently, releasing light sound and gas.

Flammable

Easily set on fire (LIQUIDS).

Pyrophoric

Can spontaneously ignite in air or WITH FRICTION.

Hemolytic

A substance that can damage blood cells.

Volatile

Liquid substance that evaporates readily at normal temperatures.