The Chemical Abstract Services identification numbers provide unique identifiers for easy cross-reference to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Some chemicals are known by several widely used names. Some well known synonyms appear in this guide and have the same CAS Number.

The European “Guide to Classification and Marking of Hazardous Substances” established a labeling ordinance so that anyone handling a hazardous product knows the health risks. Hazardous products can cause injuries from inhalation, ingestion or skin contact after even a single exposure or from prolonged or repeated exposure. Based on toxicity information, the categories are: Most toxicity ratings are based on inhalation or oral routes of chemical exposure. The European Toxicity Risk Code is based on dermal exposure to chemicals. Gloves provide protection from dermal exposure to chemicals. Other items of Personal Protective Equipment protect from other routes of chemical exposure.

Degradation is the physical change in a glove after chemical exposure. Typical effects may be swelling, wrinkling, deterioration, or delamination. There are no accepted standards for measuring degradation. Best degradation testing is based on a protocol considered by the ASTM F23 Protective Clothing Committee. One side of the glove material is exposed to the test chemical for four hours. The percent weight change is measured at four time intervals: 5, 30, 60 and 240 minutes. The gravimetric ratings are ranked as shown below.