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5.4 Toxics (CMR)

Numerous chemicals have toxic effects on the human body. Therefore, every substance should be treated as if it were toxic. The greatest accuracy and cleanliness should be observed during laboratory work. In accordance with the Environmental Code’s substitution principle (SFS 1998:808, Chapter 2, Section 4), chemical products that are hazardous to health and the environment must be substituted with less hazardous substances through active product selection and substitution. According to the law, there should be a phase-out of products that consist of or contain:

  • CMR substances (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reproductive toxicants) H350, H340, H360.
  • Strongly allergenic substances H317, H340.
  • PBT or vPvB substances (persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic or very persistent and very bioaccumulative) for example halogenated solvents. EUH440, EUH441.
  • PMT or vPvM substances (persistent, mobile, and toxic or very persistent and very mobile) EUH450, EUH451.
  • Endocrine disrupting substances EUH380, EUH430.
  • Ozone depleting substances H420.
  • Particularly hazardous metals such as e.g. Cd, Hg, and Pb.

Before working with the above-mentioned substances, a substitution investigation must be conducted. For information and form for substitution in Swedish, go to Lund University’s HR website: Substitution och reducering av hälso- och miljöfarliga produkter | HR website.

CMR substances

Carcinogens are chemical or physical agents that cause cancer. Generally, they are chronically toxic substances, meaning they cause damage after repeated or long-duration exposure, and their effects may only become evident after a long latency period.

The Swedish Work Environment Authority has issued regulations regarding the handling of carcinogenic substances. The most carcinogenic substances are divided into two categories, category A and category B. Both categories require permission to use.

According to the Swedish Work Environment Authority’s provision concerning “Hazards in the Working Environment” (AFS 2023:10, kap. 8 §14), CMR substances should only be handled after a documented investigation has been conducted, demonstrating that it is technically impossible to replace the product with a less hazardous alternative.

If the investigation shows that substitution for a less hazardous chemical is not possible, try minimizing the use of hazardous chemicals by:

  • Working on a smaller scale and conducting fewer experiments.
  • Limiting the amount of chemicals by discarding old or unused ones.
  • Ordering smaller quantities when making purchases.
  • Buy chemistry kit and ready-made solutions instead of pure and concentrated chemicals or substances.

Substances for which no permission is required

Substances for which no permission is required are governed by exposure limit values specified in the provision "Respiratory Exposure Limits in the Working Environmnet" (AFS 2023:14). The provision includes the “Occupational Exposure Limit Values List,” which indicates if the substances belong to the following categories:

  • Carcinogenic substances are denoted by C.
  • Substances easily absorbed through the skin are denoted by H.
  • Substances that might require a medical examination prior to use are denoted by M.
  • Sensitizing substances are denoted by S.
  • Substances posing a danger to reproduction are denoted by R.
  • Indicative short-term limit values are denoted by V

Allergenic substances

An allergen is a substance that causes individuals exposed to it to develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue after repeated exposure. Substances such as chromium, nickel, cobalt, mercury, and their salts, as well as formalin, certain types of plastic, paint, and film, especially epoxy, can lead to allergic reactions, typically in the form of eczema. It is crucial to exercise caution and maintain good hand hygiene. Allergenic substances are denoted with an “S” in the “Occupational Exposure Limit Values List” (AFS 2023:14) and are marked with the following risk phrases (hazard statements):

  • H317
  • H334

When handling allergenic substances, education is required.

Narcotic substances

Certain substances that can be used to manufacture narcotics are subject to special requirements regarding import, export, handling, and storage. Specific narcotic substances require either permission or registration. 

The list of these substances is available on the Swedish Medical Products Agency website: Narcotic drugs - Swedish Medical Products Agency.

Pictogram What shall be marked
Skull. Pictogram.
Cracked silhouette of human. Pictogram.
Depending on toxicity, toxic material
shall be marked with one or both of
these pictograms.
Skull. Pictogram.
 Cupboards containing toxic material
shall be marked with this pictogram.
Page manager: information [at] kc [dot] lu [dot] se | 13 Jan 2025