New York legal term
Toxic chemical in New York Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New York legislative session
In New York criminal law, “Toxic chemical” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New York criminal code.
What does “Toxic chemical” mean in New York criminal law?
"Toxic chemical" means any chemical which through its chemical action on life processes can cause death, serious physical injury or permanent harm to humans or animals, including all such chemicals, regardless of their origin or of their method of production, and regardless of whether they are produced in facilities, in munitions or elsewhere, and includes toxic chemicals which have been identified by the commissioner of health and included on the list of toxic chemicals pursuant to subdivision twenty of section two hundred six of the public health law. 14. (N.Y. Penal Law § 490.05)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.