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produced in other countries. (p xi)

“In this edition of the Registry, the editors intend to identify “all known toxic substances” which
may exist in the environment and to provide pertinent data on the toxic effects from known
doses entering an organism by any route described. (p xi)

“It must be reemphasized that the entry of a substance in the Registry does not automatically
mean that it must be avoided. A listing does mean, however, that the substance has the
documented potential of being harmful if misused, and care must be exercised to prevent tragic
consequences. Thus the Registry lists many substances that are common in everyday life and are
in nearly every household in the United States. One can name a variety of such dangerous
substances: prescription and non-prescription drugs; food additives; pesticide concentrates,
sprays, and dusts; fungicides; herbicides, paints; glazes, dyes; bleaches and other household
cleaning agents; alkalis; and various solvents and diluents. The list is extensive because chemicals
have become an integral part of our existence.”

The RTECS printed edition may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office (GPO), Washington, DC 20402 (202-783-3238).

Some employers may desire to subscribe to the quarterly update to the RTECS which is published
in a microfiche edition. An annual subscription to the quarterly microfiche may be purchased
from the GPO (Order the “Microfiche Edition, Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances”).
Both the printed edition and the microfiche edition of RTECS are available for review at many
university and public libraries throughout the country. The latest RTECS editions may also be
examined at the OSHA Technical Data Center, Room N2439 - Rear, United States Department of
Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210 (202-523-9700), or at any OSHA
Regional or Area Office (See, major city telephone directories under United States Government -
Labor Department).

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