WHMIS Qu. What is the difference between “toxic” and “poisonous”?
• Both toxic and poisonous refer to a substance that has the potential to be dangerous to your life. The difference between the two lies in the degree of danger. Toxic (e.g., acetone or ink): – a slow acting substance that may cause a rash or coughing. It may enter the body by inhalation (lungs) or absorption (skin or eyes). Poisonous (e.g., cyanide, methanol, phenol): – includes toxic and may go beyond. A poison may be slow or quick acting. A poisonous gas may affect you within 6 seconds! Poisonous substances may be inhaled, ingested, absorbed, or injected.
