GHS Classification Result

Chemical Name:Mercury monoxide
CAS:21908-53-2

Result:
ID: 286
Classifier: Inter-ministerial Committee on GHS
Year Classified: FY2006
Reference Manual: GHS Classification Manual (10 Feb, 2006)

PHYSICAL HAZARDS
Hazard class Classification Symbol Signal word Hazard statement Precautionary statement Rationale for the classification
1 Explosives Not applicable - - - - Containing no chemical groups with explosive properties
2 Flammable gases (including chemically unstable gases) Not applicable - - - - Classified as "solid" according to GHS definition
3 Aerosols Not applicable - - - - Not aerosol products
4 Oxidizing gases Not applicable - - - - Classified as "solid" according to GHS definition
5 Gases under pressure Not applicable - - - - Classified as "solid" according to GHS definition
6 Flammable liquids Not applicable - - - - Classified as "solid" according to GHS definition
7 Flammable solids Not classified - - - - Non-flammable (ICSC, 2001)
8 Self-reactive substances and mixtures Not applicable - - - - Containing no chemical groups with explosive or self-reactive properties
9 Pyrophoric liquids Not applicable - - - - Classified as "solid" according to GHS definition
10 Pyrophoric solids Not classified - - - - Non-combustible (ICSC, 2001)
11 Self-heating substances and mixtures Not classified - - - - Non-combustible (ICSC, 2001)
12 Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases Not classified - - - - Stable to water (insoluble, ICSC (2001))
13 Oxidizing liquids Not applicable - - - - Classified as "solid" according to GHS definition
14 Oxidizing solids Not classified - - - - No data available, though being inorganic compounds containing oxygen. The substance is "Non-combustible" but may intensify fire, according to ICSC (2001). Classified into Division 6.1 (UN#1641) (UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods)
15 Organic peroxides Not applicable - - - - Not organic compounds
16 Corrosive to metals Classification not possible - - - - Test methods applicable to solid substances are not available

HEALTH HAZARDS
Hazard class Classification Symbol Signal word Hazard statement Precautionary statement Rationale for the classification
1 Acute toxicity (Oral) Classification not possible - - - - No data available
1 Acute toxicity (Dermal) Classification not possible - - - - No data available
1 Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Gases) Not applicable - - - - Due to the fact that the substance is "solid" according to the GHS definition and inhalation of its gas is not expected.
1 Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Vapours) Classification not possible - - - - No data available
1 Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Dusts and mists) Classification not possible - - - - No data available
2 Skin corrosion/irritation Category 2 Warning H315: Causes skin irritation P302+P352: IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water.
P332+P313: If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
P264: Wash ... thoroughly after handling.
P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P321: Specific treatment (see ... on this label).
P362: Take off contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Based on the description in ICSC (J) (2000): "reddening, irritation of the eye/skin/respiratory tract." The substance is thus considered to possess a skin irritation potential of unknown degree and could be placed in Category 2 or 3. It is classified as Category 2 from the viewpoint of safety.
3 Serious eye damage/eye irritation Category 2A-2B Warning H319: Causes serious eye irritation P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P337+P313: If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention.
P264: Wash ... thoroughly after handling.
P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
Based on the description in ICSC (J) (2000): "reddening, irritation of the eye/skin/respiratory tract." The substance is thus considered to possess an eye irritation potential of unknown degree. Although classified as Category 2A-2B, it should be placed in Category 2A from the viewpoint of safety.
4 Respiratory sensitization Classification not possible - - - - No data available
4 Skin sensitization Category 1 Warning H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction P302+P352: IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water.
P333+P313: If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
P261: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P272: Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P321: Specific treatment (see ... on this label).
P363: Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...
Mercury is classified into "Skin Sensitizing Substance" by the ad hoc committee of the Japanese Society of Occupational Allergy, and "Skin Sensitizing Substance: Group 1"* by the Japan Society for Occupational Health. These classifications, though not specifying mercury oxide, seem to include mercury compounds. Mercury oxide, which is a mercury compound, should thus cause skin sensitization. * There is a provision to the effect that "the category refers to the substance concerned and its compounds, but does not identify all substances causing respiratory/skin sensitization.
5 Germ cell mutagenicity Classification not possible - - - - No data available As for the mutagenicity/genotoxicity of inorganic mercury, refer to "ID285, Mercury Chloride (II), CAS: 7487-94-7."
6 Carcinogenicity Not classified - - - - Based on the fact that the substance is classified as Category A4 (as metal mercury and inorganic mercury compounds) by ACGIH (2001) and Group 3 (as metal mercury and inorganic mercury compounds) by IARC (1993).
7 Reproductive toxicity Category 1B Danger H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child P308+P313: IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention.
P201: Obtain special instructions before use.
P202: Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood.
P281: Use personal protective equipment as required.
P405: Store locked up.
P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...
Based on the evidence of malformation in offspring at non-maternally toxic doses, described in EHC 118 (1991). As for the reproductive toxicity of inorganic mercury, refer to "ID285, Mercury Chloride (II), CAS: 7487-94-7."
8 Specific target organ toxicity - Single exposure Category 1 (nervous system), Category 3 (respiratory tract irritation) Danger
Warning
H370: Causes damage to organs (nervous system)
H335: May cause respiratory irritation (respiratory tract irritation)
P307+P311: IF exposed: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
P260: Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P264: Wash ... thoroughly after handling.
P270: Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P321: Specific treatment (see ... on this label).
P405: Store locked up.
P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...
P304+P340: IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
P403+P233: Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
P261: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P271: Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P312: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell.
Based on the human evidence including "hemiparesis, generalized muscle rigidity, muscle tremor, sign of acrodynia, coma" following dermal exposure (though the study was limited to infants) (CICAD 50 (2003)), and "irritation of the eye, skin and respiratory tract" (ICSC (J) (2001)). Note: According to CICAD 50 (2003), "renal failure, cardiovascular collapse and severe digestive organ damage are considered to be the causes of death following oral exposure to inorganic mercury. Most common findings among these are gastrointestinal tract lesion and renal failure. Exposure to inorganic mercury appears to induce nephrotic syndrome in humans."
9 Specific target organ toxicity - Repeated exposure Category 2 (kidney) Warning H373: May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (kidney) P260: Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P314: Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell.
P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...
Based on the description in ICSC (J): "The substance may adversely affect the kidney and cause kidney damage" (ICSC (J) (2001)). Note: According to CICAD 50 (2003), "renal failure, cardiovascular collapse and severe digestive organ damage are considered to be the causes of death following oral exposure to inorganic mercury. Most common findings among these are gastrointestinal tract lesion and renal failure. Exposure to inorganic mercury appears to induce nephrotic syndrome in humans."
10 Aspiration hazard Classification not possible - - - - No data available

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
Hazard class Classification Symbol Signal word Hazard statement Precautionary statement Rationale for the classification
11 Hazardous to the aquatic environment (Acute) Classification not possible - - - - Classification not possible due to lack of data
11 Hazardous to the aquatic environment (Long-term) Classification not possible - - - - Classification not possible due to lack of data


NOTE:
* Classification was conducted by relevant Japanese Ministries in accordance with GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government, and is intended to provide a reference for preparing GHS labelling and SDS for users.
* This is a provisional English translation of classification results and is subject to revision without notice.
* The responsibility for any resulting GHS labelling and SDS referenced from this site is with users.

Reference:
Reference Manual

Definitions / Abbreviations

Model Label by MHLW

MHLW Website (in Japanese Only)

Model SDS by MHLW

MHLW Website (in Japanese Only)


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