acute exposure
High levels of exposure over a short period.
chemical inventory
A list of every product used in the office that contains chemicals.
chronic exposure
Repeated exposures, generally to lower levels, over a long time.
contaminated waste
Items such as gloves and patient napkins that may contain the potentially infectious body fluids of patients.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Federal regulatory agency responsibile for protecting and restoring the environment and public health through environmental laws.
Hazard Communication Standard
Recently revised Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard regarding employees' "right to know" about hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
hazardous waste
Waste that poses a risk to humans or to the environment.
infectious waste
Waste that is capable of transmitting an infectious disease.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Form that provides printed information regarding the hazards of materials that contain chemicals.
regulated waste
Infectious waste that requires special handling, neutralization, and disposal.