Substance abuse

Overindulgence in and dependence on alcohol or drugs (stimulants, depressants, or other chemical substances) that lead to effects that are detrimental to the individual’s physical or mental health or the safety or welfare of others. Also called chemical dependency .

Substances hazardous to health

They are: any substance that has by law to be labelled as ‘very toxic’, ‘toxic’, ‘harmful’, ‘irritant’ or ‘corrosive’; substances for which a maximum exposure limit (MEL) has been set or an occupational standard has been set. They include harmful micro-organisms, substantial quantities of airborne dust or other substances that create comparable health hazards, including: dusts, fumes/gases, solvents, resins, pesticides, acids, alkalis, mineral oil and contaminants such as arsenic and phenols. See CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH REGULATIONS.

Substandard risk

A risk falling outside normal underwriting standards. If written at all, it is usually with a substantial premium surcharge.by Congress in 1980. Under this law, parties found responsible for polluting a site must clean up the contamination or reimburse the EPA for doing so. Liability is strict, retroactive, joint and several.
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US: An individual, who, because of health history or physical limitations, does not measure up to the qualification of a standard risk.
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MEDICAL, US: See: modified risk .