Class 6.1 - Toxic Substances

The toxic substances categorized in Class 6.1 are those that caused death in half the population of test rats within 14 days of administration orally, through skin contact, or via inhalation of vapor, mist, or dust. Because the dangers of human poisoning by these substances for ship-board personnel vary greatly, the Code takes into account the probability of accidents occurring during transport at sea. Three packing groups are specified, as follows:

• Packing Group I - For substances and preparations presenting the highest toxicity hazard
• Packing Group II - For substances and preparations presenting a medium toxicity hazard
• Packing Group III - For substances and preparations presenting a low toxicity hazard

Various specific hazard ranges are given for determining the packing groups, including special provisions for active pesticide substances.

To learn more about IMDG visit our International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code Online Training web page.