CAS number - Toxicology

In the realm of Toxicology, the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number plays a crucial role. It serves as a unique identifier for chemical substances, facilitating their precise identification across various scientific, regulatory, and industrial contexts. Understanding the significance and application of CAS numbers is essential for toxicologists and other professionals working with chemicals.
A CAS Number is a unique numerical identifier assigned to every chemical substance described in the open scientific literature. It is maintained by the Chemical Abstracts Service, a division of the American Chemical Society. Each CAS Number is composed of up to 10 digits, divided into three parts by hyphens. For example, the CAS Number for water is 7732-18-5.
In Toxicology, CAS Numbers are critical for several reasons:
Accuracy: CAS Numbers eliminate ambiguity by providing a unique identifier for each substance, ensuring that toxicologists are referencing the same chemical.
Regulatory Compliance: Many regulatory bodies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), require CAS Numbers for chemical registration and compliance.
Data Access: CAS Numbers allow easy access to toxicological data and resources, facilitating research and risk assessment.
CAS Numbers are assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service when a new chemical is reported in the scientific literature. The process involves:
Identification: The chemical must be clearly described in terms of its molecular structure.
Database Entry: Once identified, the substance is entered into the CAS Registry, and a unique number is generated.
Publication: The CAS Number is published and made available to the scientific community.
This structured process ensures that each chemical substance has a distinct and consistent identifier.
Yes, CAS Numbers are universal identifiers used globally. They are recognized and utilized by scientists, regulatory agencies, and industries worldwide. This universality makes them invaluable for international collaboration and regulatory compliance across borders.
Despite their utility, CAS Numbers have some limitations:
Not Descriptive: CAS Numbers do not convey any chemical information about the substance, such as its structure or properties.
Not Comprehensive: Some substances, particularly mixtures and formulations, may not have a specific CAS Number.
Proprietary Compounds: Certain proprietary or confidential compounds may not have publicly available CAS Numbers.
These limitations necessitate the use of additional resources for a comprehensive understanding of the substance.
For researchers and toxicologists, CAS Numbers are indispensable for:
Literature Search: Using CAS Numbers to search databases ensures that the correct chemical is being studied, improving the accuracy of the research.
Data Integration: CAS Numbers enable the integration of data from various sources, facilitating comprehensive analyses and reviews.
Safety Assessment: Accessing toxicological data associated with a CAS Number aids in conducting risk assessments and ensuring chemical safety.
These applications highlight the pivotal role of CAS Numbers in advancing toxicological research and ensuring safety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CAS Numbers are a fundamental tool in Toxicology, providing a reliable means of identifying and accessing information on chemical substances. While they have certain limitations, their benefits in ensuring accuracy, facilitating regulatory compliance, and supporting research are unparalleled. As the field of Toxicology continues to evolve, CAS Numbers will remain a cornerstone in the effective management and study of chemicals.



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