What does the asterisk (*) mean in HMIS® III ratings?

In the HMIS^� III label, there are two squares in the health area. The square on the left sometimes contains a star or an asterisk (*), while the right hand square contains a number, as usual.

The �*� indicates that the material in the container has been associated with a chronic health effect (i.e., a health effect that may occur after weeks, months, or years of repeated overexposure.) The * symbol signals employees to use additional care in handling the material. It also lets them know that more information about the specific chronic hazard is available on the safety data sheet (SDS) or manufacturer�s product label.