New pictograms for hazardous chemicals

Abstract

A hazardous chemical product is any substance or mixture which, due to its characteristics, can cause damage to people, materials or the environment, directly or indirectly. According to the new regulation of the European Union, Spanish legislation has established a series of verbal and pictographic warnings wich must be posted on packages containing dangerous substances. All chemistry students of any level should know the meaning of the new pictograms and the precautions to be taken when using substances with these warnings. The best way to achieve this is through a laboratory session in which the new pictograms accompanied by their definitions, examples and demostrations.