The Convention on Civil Liability for Damage Resulting from Activities Dangerous to the Environment (Lugano 1993) defines dangerous substances as, "substances or preparations which have properties which constitute a significant risk for man, the environment or property. A substance or preparation which is explosive, oxidizing, extremely flammable, highly flammable, flammable, very toxic, toxic, harmful, corrosive, irritant, sensitizing, carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic for reproduction or dangerous for the environment within the meaning of Annex I, Part A to this Convention shall in any event be deemed to constitute such a risk."
The UK Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act (1990) requires hazardous substances consent (hsc) to be obtained for the presence of hazardous substances at or above specific amounts, known as controlled quantities. The Act, and associated regulations, came into force on 1 June 1992.