Chapter 42 – Physical Hazards

Publisher Summary Toxicologists have traditionally been called upon to assess the chemical and biological hazards of products. However they are increasingly required to take a more holistic approach to product hazard evaluation and consider all potential hazards—physical as well as chemical. This chapter addresses the wide range of physical hazards associated with products. Emphasis is placed on consumer products rather than industrial or military products, although references from the latter are cited when they have clear relevance to consumer products. References have been chosen with an eye toward eliminating hazards from products. Emphasis is placed on understanding the etiology and susceptible population groups for each hazard. The chapter begins with an introduction to resources and organizations concerned with physical hazards of consumer products in general. Following this, specific classes of hazard are addressed individually. A hazard definition is provided for each of the specific hazard areas followed by a brief description of the scope of the hazard.