In simple words: This code is used when someone has come into contact with, or is suspected of having come into contact with, dangerous chemicals that are not medicines.

This code represents contact with and suspected exposure to hazardous chemicals that are primarily nonmedicinal.It includes exposures to potential health hazards but excludes contact with communicable diseases, exposure to tobacco smoke in the perinatal period, effects of noxious substances transmitted via placenta or breast milk, occupational exposure to risk factors, retained foreign bodies, and toxic effects of nonmedicinal substances.

Example 1: A child is brought to the emergency room after ingesting a small amount of cleaning fluid., A homeowner presents to their physician with concerns about possible mold exposure in their basement., A farmworker seeks medical evaluation after accidentally spilling pesticide on their skin.

Documentation should include the specific chemical involved, the route and circumstances of exposure, any presenting symptoms, and any diagnostic or treatment procedures performed.

** This code is used for encounters with health services related to the exposure, even if the individual is not experiencing symptoms. Follow-up examinations related to the exposure may be coded with Z08-Z09.