Toxic substances are substances which may cause acute poisoning. These are substances that are assigned the GHS 06 label or skull according to the CLP Regulation on the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Preparations.

If toxic substances are used in workplaces, applications must be made for a special toxic chemical permit, by filling in the letter from the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health.

Carcinogenic substances are substances that can cause cancer in humans and/or animals. Most of these are long-term effects and often it takes years or decades for these consequences to manifest themselves.

Nanomaterials are a rapidly growing class of materials. The substances are either hazard labelled or not, and are processed in the form of small particles, 1-100 nm. These include, for example, the surface treatment of surfaces to facilitate disinfection.

Several studies indicate that chemicals may be more harmful in nano-form than in conventional forms.

In Iceland, explosives are used to a considerable extent in civil engineering. To be able to buy and use explosives, a special police permit is required, which persons acquire:

• After completion bóklegu námskeiði by the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health

• after passing a practical test by an authorised explosives judge.

Pesticides (ubiquitous substances/biocides) are substances used for pest eradication or control of plant diseases. These chemicals are not always classified as toxic chemicals, that is to say with the GHS 06 mark.

To be able to buy and use pesticides at work, a permit is required from the Environment Agency.