What does the Health Canada and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency signal word "Warning" indicate?

The signal word "Warning," as used by Health Canada and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indicates a less severe level of toxicity compared to the signal word "Danger," which signifies high toxicity. In hazard communication, these signal words are crucial in helping users understand the potential risks associated with chemicals or products.

"Warning" suggests that while the product is still hazardous and should be handled with care, the risks associated are not as severe as those indicated by "Danger." This categorization allows individuals to make informed decisions about safety precautions and the appropriate response to exposure. Hence, it reflects a moderate concern regarding toxicity and informs users that further precautions may still be necessary, but the potential for acute harm is lower than with more toxic substances.

Understanding these distinctions is important for effective safety practices in hazardous materials handling and reinforces the need for proper labeling and communication of hazards in workplaces and environments where chemicals are used.