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Glossary : V

very highly toxic

Corresponds to U.S. EPA Acute Toxicity Category I. Very highly toxic chemicals kill 50 percent of a test population with an oral dose of less than 50 mg/kg, a dermal dose of less than 200 mg/kg, and/or an inhalation dose of less than 0.2 mg/L. A chemical may also be considered very highly toxic if it is corrosive to the eyes or skin. EPA requires that pesticides in Acute Toxicity Category I be labeled with the word "Danger". If the chemical is in Acute Toxicity Category I on the basis of its oral, inhalation or dermal toxicity (as distinct from skin and eye local effects), it must be labeled "Danger Poison."

volatile organic compound

Carbon-containing compound that readily produces fumes. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are created both by natural processes and through human activity. They react with nitrogen oxides, an air pollutant, in sunlight to produce photochemical smog. Some VOCs include formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene. Many building and decorating supplies, art materials and plastics may release VOCs, especially in hot or humid conditions. For more information on VOCs, see the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) factsheet on VOCs .

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