Building Code Glossary
Health Hazard: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define health hazard, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Health hazard is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Use and Occupancy Classification. The code's own words are: “A classification of a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence that acute or chronic health effects are capable of occurring in exposed persons. The term "health hazard" includes chemicals that are toxic or highly toxic, and corrosive.” The IFC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 9 chapters of this corpus, most often in Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009), Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009), Definitions (IFC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Health Hazard — IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification:
A classification of a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence that acute or chronic health effects are capable of occurring in exposed persons. The term "health hazard" includes chemicals that are toxic or highly toxic, and corrosive.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Health Hazard, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Use and Occupancy Classification | A classification of a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence that acute or chronic health effects are capable of occurring in exposed persons. The term "health hazard" includes chemicals that are toxic or highly toxic, and corrosive. |
| IFC 2009 | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | A classification ofa chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence that acute or chronic health effects are capable of occurring in exposed persons. The term "health hazard" includes chemicals that are toxic, highly toxic and corrosive. |
Where health hazard is used in the code
The term appears in 9 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 15 |
| Use and Occupancy Classification | IBC 2009 | 5 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 5 |
| Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Scope and Administration | IMC 2009 | 1 |
| Scope and Administration | IPC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about health hazard, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
A material with a primary classification as a physical hazard can also pose a health hazard.
For the purposes of this section, the health hazard rating of materials shall be as specified in NFPA 704.
Any plumbing regulated by this code that is unsafe or that constitutes a fire or health hazard, insanitary condition, or is otherwise dangerous to human life is hereby declared unsafe.
The terms health hazard is built out of
The definition above leans on 5 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what health hazard covers:
- Highly Toxic — IBC 2009: A material which produces a lethal dose or lethal concentration that falls within any of the following categories:
- Corrosive — IBC 2009: A chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the point of contact.
- Chemical — IFC 2009: An element, chemical compound or mixture of elements or compounds or both.
- Exposed — IRC 2009: (As applied to live parts.) Capable of being inadvertently touched or approached nearer than a safe distance by a person.
- Toxic — IBC 2009: A chemical falling within any of the following categories:
Health Hazard: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Use and Occupancy Classification | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Highly Toxic | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Corrosive | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Chemical | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Highly Toxic: Building Code Definition
- Corrosive: Building Code Definition
- Chemical: Building Code Definition
- Exposed: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of health hazard?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Use and Occupancy Classification as: “A classification of a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence that acute or chronic health effects are capable of occurring in exposed persons. The term "health hazard" includes chemicals that are toxic or highly toxic, and corrosive.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on health hazard?
In this corpus the term is used across 9 chapters, led by Hazardous Materials-general Provisions in the IFC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is the definition of health hazard?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Use and Occupancy Classification: “A classification of a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence that acute or chronic health effects are capable of occurring in exposed persons. The term "health hazard" includes chemicals that are toxic or highly toxic, and corrosive.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IFC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
What does IBC mean in building codes?
Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as health hazard, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A classification of a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence that acute or chronic health effects are capable of occurring in exposed persons. The term "health hazard" includes chemicals that are toxic or highly toxic, and corrosive.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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