Chemical Safety Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering chemical hazard definitions, physical properties, and safety terms from the lecture notes.

Asphyxiant

A substance that causes a lack of oxygen to the blood.

Caustic

Substances that eat away living tissue.

Corrosive

Substances that eat away material (usually metal, but not always); corrosive is the more general term compared to caustic.

Flash Point

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

Acute Health Hazard

Hazards that have immediate effects on the body.

Chronic Health Hazard

Hazards that have long-lasting effects on the body (usually due to long-term exposure).

Irritant

A substance that causes inflammation or discomfort to tissue.

Mutagen

A 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

A liquid substance that evaporates readily at normal temperatures.