Class 6.1 is a classification under the United Nations (UN) Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. This class specifically refers to toxic substances.
Substances under Class 6.1 are defined as those liable to cause death, serious injury, or harm to human health if swallowed, inhaled, or come in contact with the skin. These substances can be in the form of liquids, solids, or gases.
The GHS further categorizes toxic substances based on their toxicity through different routes of exposure:
1. Acute oral toxicity
2. Acute dermal toxicity
3. Acute inhalation toxicity
4. Specific target organ toxicity (single and repeated exposure)
The severity of toxicity is determined by the dose or concentration that causes harmful effects or mortality in test animals or humans. Substances with lower lethal doses (LD50) or lethal concentrations (LC50) are considered more toxic.
Sodium cyanide, being highly toxic through all routes of exposure, falls under Class 6.1. Its acute toxicity and ability to cause rapid cell death make it a particularly dangerous substance that requires strict handling, storage, and transportation regulations to ensure safety and prevent harm to human health and the environment.