What does the EPA signal word 'Caution' indicate about toxicity?

What does the EPA signal word 'Caution' indicate about toxicity?

• A. Severe
• B. Minor
• C. Moderate
• D. Unknown

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that EPA signal words tell you how toxic a substance is in acute exposure. The word “Caution” is used for materials with relatively low acute toxicity, signaling a minor hazard. It means you should still follow the label’s basic safety precautions, but the risk is considered small compared to products labeled with higher hazard words. If a substance were more toxic, you’d see a label using “Warning” (higher risk) or “Danger” (highest risk). The option about unknown doesn’t fit because these signal words explicitly communicate the level of hazard, not uncertainty.

The main idea here is that EPA signal words tell you how toxic a substance is in acute exposure. The word “Caution” is used for materials with relatively low acute toxicity, signaling a minor hazard. It means you should still follow the label’s basic safety precautions, but the risk is considered small compared to products labeled with higher hazard words. If a substance were more toxic, you’d see a label using “Warning” (higher risk) or “Danger” (highest risk). The option about unknown doesn’t fit because these signal words explicitly communicate the level of hazard, not uncertainty.