Glossary / Health hazards
Target organ
A target organ is the organ or body system that a chemical most affects after exposure, such as the liver, kidneys, central nervous system or lungs. The GHS class is specific target organ toxicity.
Explanation
Many chemicals do not harm the whole body evenly. They concentrate in, or are especially damaging to, particular tissues. Solvents often affect the nervous system, some metals injure the kidneys, and certain dusts scar the lungs. Naming the target organ tells a worker what to watch for and tells a physician what to test.
The GHS has two related classes. Single exposure (STOT-SE) covers effects after one exposure, including respiratory irritation and narcotic effects such as drowsiness. Repeated exposure (STOT-RE) covers damage after repeated or prolonged exposure, which links closely to Chronic toxicity. Category 1 is for significant toxicity in humans or clear animal findings at low doses, and Category 2 is for possible harm at higher doses.
The label does not usually name the organ in the hazard statement for every case, but statements such as H370 and H372 are followed by the affected organs where known. Medical surveillance programs under some OSHA standards are built around target organs, with tests chosen to detect early injury.
Target organ effects are not the same as the route of entry. A chemical can enter by skin and still damage the liver. Always read the organ together with the route of exposure.
What to do and watch for
- Note the named organs in Section 11 and share them with your occupational health provider.
- Report symptoms that match the target organ, such as headaches, dizziness or changes in urination.
- Treat repeated low exposures seriously, since STOT-RE damage builds up quietly.
Where it appears on an SDS
- Section 2: Hazard identification. Specific target organ toxicity categories and H370 to H373 statements are given, often with organs named.
- Section 11: Toxicological information. Section 11 describes the organs affected and the exposure routes, doses and study results behind the classification.
SDS content and wording vary by supplier. This page is general reference and does not replace the current SDS for your product.