One of the most important properties to be considered when assessing the potential hazards of a material is the toxicological effect that it may have on the human body. C3-B can look into this effect and provide suitable data necessary to ensure that exposure to a material does not result in detrimental health effects.

There are many ways in which a chemical can enter the body and therefore testing must ensure that different routes of entry such as by mouth (oral), through the skin (dermal), by injection (intravenous) or via the lungs (inhalation) are covered.

As well as looking into the various routes of entry where a chemical can penetrate into the body, it is also necessary to take into account different exposure conditions. Initially it is important to determine whether health effects are observed after a single dose (acute exposure). If effects are observed or larger quantities of material are to be used then it will be necessary to consider prolonged exposure or multiple dose (chronic exposure).

The amount of information required will depend upon the anticipated level of manufacture of the product, from Level VIIC with an annual quantity of > 10 kg, through Level VIIA (often referred to as the Base Set level) to Level 2 with annual quantities > 1000 tonnes. The majority of tests are performed as per Annex V, Part B of the Dangerous Substances Directive 67/548/EEC. Many of the tests are also listed under the proposed REACH scheme.