In NFPA 704, what does the blue section of the diamond indicate?

In NFPA 704, the blue section of the diamond specifically indicates health hazards. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) uses this labeling system to communicate the potential health risks associated with various materials. The scale ranges from 0 to 4, where 0 indicates a material that poses no health risk and 4 indicates a material that presents a significant health risk.

Understanding this portion of the label is crucial for first responders and others who may handle hazardous materials, as it helps them assess the danger to human health during an emergency response situation. For example, a substance rated as 4 in the blue section might require specific precautions, such as wearing protective equipment, due to its severe toxicity or ability to cause serious health effects. This information plays a vital role in ensuring safety in environments where hazardous materials are present.