Mercury compounds and certain heavy metals, aflatoxin, formamide and radiation are known embryotoxins. The flash point of a chemical is the lowest temperature at which a flame will propagate through the vapour of a combustible material to the liquid surface. It should be noted that the source of ignition need not be an open flame, but could equally be, for example, the surface of a hot plate, or a steam pipe. A hematopoietic agent is a chemical which interfers with the blood system by decreasing the oxygen-carrying ability of haemoglobin. This can lead to cyanosis and unconsiousness.
Carbon monoxide is one such agent, familiar to smokers.
A hepatotoxin is a chemical capable of causing liver damage. The H ealth and S afety E xecutive. The HSE is responsible for proposing and enforcing safety regulations throughout UK industry and academia. Publications are available on a wide variety of safety-related issues. Hypoxia is a condition defined by a low supply of oxygen.