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Dangerous substances

There are different types of dangerous substances.

If a dangerous substance is released in an industrial accident, the consequences will depend on 

  • the properties of the substance
  • its state (gas, liquid, solid) 
  • the environment in which the substance is released

There are different types of dangerous substances. In the major accident hazard legislation you can find them

The classification of dangerous substances is made based on a system of the United Nations, which is the same everywhere in the world. There is also a European Regulation that ensures that dangerous substances are labelled and marked in a uniform manner in Europe. 

Hazard category Risks
(Very) toxic  
  • (Very) toxic when inhaled
  • (Very) toxic in contact with water
Oxidising 
  • Can cause a fire
  • Promotes the combustion of flammable materials
  • Can explode when mixed with a flammable material
Explosive (High) risk of explosion by impact, friction, fire or other ignition
(Highly/extremely) flammable
  • Flammable
  • Highly flammable
  • Extremely flammable
  • Spontaneously flammable in contact with air
Environmentally unfriendly
  • Very toxic to aquatic organisms
  • Vigorous reaction in contact with water
  • Toxic gas formation in contact with water

Read more about dangerous substances in Seveso establishments here.