On the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 704 placard, what does the #1 indicate?

On the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 704 placard, the number 1 specifically indicates a low health impact associated with the material. The NFPA 704 system utilizes a numerical scale from 0 to 4 to denote the severity of potential health effects, where 0 represents no hazard and 4 indicates that the material poses a very serious health threat.

In this context, a rating of 1 suggests that exposure to the material could cause irritation or minor injury, but not serious or irreversible health effects. This allows first responders and emergency personnel to quickly assess the potential risks and take appropriate precautions when handling hazardous materials. Understanding these ratings is crucial in ensuring safety during emergencies involving chemicals.