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Safety and Health Topics: Hazardous and Toxic Substances Hazardous and toxic substances can be defined as those chemicals present in the workplace which are capable of causing harm. In this definition, the term chemicals includes dusts, mixtures, and common materials such as paints, fuels, and solvents. OSHA currently regulates exposure to approximately 400 substances. The OSHA Chemical Sampling Information file contains listings for approximately 1500 substances; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Substances Inventory lists information on more than 62,000 chemicals or chemical substances; some libraries maintain files of material safety data sheets (MSDS) for more than 100,000 substances. It is not possible to address the hazards associated with each of these chemicals, however, the following questions link to resources that provide safety and health information relevant to many hazardous and toxic substances. What OSHA standards apply? Standards | Interpretations and Compliance Letters How do I recognize hazardous and toxic substances in the workplace? Hazard Recognition | Specific Chemical Information What are some examples of possible solutions to workplace hazards? Possible Solutions Where can I find additional information? Related Safety and Health Topics | Training | Additional Resources     Revised: 15 December 2003		Safety and Health  Topics     Hazardous and Toxic Substances   OSHA Standards   Hazard Recognition   Possible Solutions   Additional Information   Credits
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