If a small amount of a chemical causes a toxic response, is it considered to be relatively non-toxic?

A chemical that causes a toxic response even in small amounts is classified as toxic, rather than relatively non-toxic. The term "non-toxic" typically refers to substances that do not produce harmful effects in normal exposure scenarios. A key principle in toxicology is that toxicity is dose-dependent; even a small quantity leading to adverse effects indicates a significant potential for harm. Therefore, the presence of toxicity at low levels means that the chemical cannot be considered safe or non-toxic, as it poses a risk to health and safety. Understanding this concept is crucial in the context of hazardous waste operations, where recognizing the toxic nature of certain materials is essential for implementing appropriate safety measures.