GHS Classification Result (Revision of the past classification result)

Chemical Name:Arsenic
CAS:7440-38-2

Result:
ID: 20A2336
Classifier: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Ministry of the Environment (MOE)
Year Classified: FY2008
Reference Manual: GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government (Sep, 2008)

PHYSICAL HAZARDS
Hazard class Classification Symbol Signal word Hazard statement Precautionary statement Rationale for the classification
1 Explosives Not applicable - - - - There are no chemical groups associated with explosive properties present in the molecules.
2 Flammable gases (including chemically unstable gases) Not applicable - - - - Solid (GHS definition)
3 Aerosols Not applicable - - - - Not aerosol products.
4 Oxidizing gases Not applicable - - - - Solid (GHS definition)
5 Gases under pressure Not applicable - - - - Solid (GHS definition)
6 Flammable liquids Not applicable - - - - Solid (GHS definition)
7 Flammable solid Classification not possible - - - - It is combustible according to the ICSC (2004), and upon heating of the substance as fine power or in a dust state on a hot surface or by a flame, there is a slight risk of generating fire or explosion. However, since a form of the substance used in the experiment is not specified, and test results are not provided, classification is not possible. It is rated as Division 6.1 by the UNRTDG (UN No. 1558).
8 Self-reactive substances and mixtures Not applicable - - - - There are no chemical groups present in the molecule associated with explosive or self-reactive properties.
9 Pyrophoric liquids Not applicable - - - - Solid (GHS definition)
10 Pyrophoric solids Not classified - - - - It is combustible but does not ignite easily (HSDB, 2006).
11 Self-heating substances and mixtures Classification not possible - - - - No data available. It is rated as Division 6.1 by the UNRTDG (UN No. 1558).
12 Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases Not classified - - - - It is stable in contact with water (insoluble in water, ICSC (2004)).
13 Oxidizing liquids Not applicable - - - - Solid (GHS definition)
14 Oxidizing solids Not applicable - - - - Inorganic substance containing no oxygen and halogen atoms
15 Organic peroxides Not applicable - - - - It is not an organic compound.
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) Category 4 Warning H302: Harmful if swallowed P301+P312: IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell.
P264: Wash ... thoroughly after handling.
P270: Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P330: Rinse mouth.
P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...
Based on the LD50 of 763 mg/kg for rats obtained in an oral administration test (HSDB (2005)), the substance was classified into Category 4.
1 Acute toxicity (Dermal) Classification not possible - - - - No data available.
1 Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Gases) Not applicable - - - - Solid (GHS definition)
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 Classification not possible - - - - Inorganic arsenic compounds are reported to cause irritation (DFGOT vol. 21, 2005). However, since no further information is available, classification is not possible.
3 Serious eye damage/eye irritation Category 2 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.
Since inorganic arsenic compounds are reported to irritate human eyes (HSG 70, 1992; PIM 042, 1996), the substance was classified into Category 2.
4 Respiratory sensitization Classification not possible - - - - No data available.
4 Skin sensitization Classification not possible - - - - No test results on the element arsenic are available. Inorganic arsenic compounds may cause skin sensitization, but it is not reported as a definitive conclusion (ATSDR, 2007; HSG, 1992). In addition, according to EHC 224 (2001), dermal sensitization to inorganic arsenic appears to be a rare occurrence. Due to insufficient test results available, the substance was classified into the "Classification not possible" category.
5 Germ cell mutagenicity Classification not possible - - - - No data available. The DFG has classified arsenic and its inorganic compounds into Category 3A for germ cell mutagenicity (which is equivalent to Category 1B to 2 in the GHS classification) (MAK/BAT, 2007).
6 Carcinogenicity Category 1A Danger H350: May cause cancer 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 ...
According to IARC Suppl. 7 (1987), ACGIH-TLV (2008), and MAK/BAT (2007), arsenic and its inorganic compounds are categorized as human carcinogens. Thus, the substance was classified into Category 1A.
7 Reproductive toxicity Category 2 Warning H361: Suspected of damaging 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 ...
No test results on the element arsenic were found, but according to description for arsenic and arsenic compounds documented in EHC 224 (2001) which is a List 1 information source, these substances are suggested to affect human reproduction and have teratogenic effects at doses that are toxic to maternal animals. Thus, the substance was classified into Category 2. As additional background information, the Catalog of teratogenic agents (2004), which is equivalent to List 1 sources, supports the conclusion that inorganic arsenic is not teratogenic to humans.
8 Specific target organ toxicity - Single exposure Category 1 (digestive system, circulatory system, nervous system, blood system, respiratory system, skin, kidney, liver) Danger H370: Causes damage to organs (digestive system, circulatory system, nervous system, blood system, respiratory system, skin, kidney, liver) 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 ...
No test results were found on single exposure to the element arsenic other than lethal effects. In humans, the following acute toxic effects by arsenic compounds are documented: symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, nerves, and blood system; conjunctivitis and dermatitis as well as irritation to the nasal mucosa, pharynx, and trachea; frequent urination or anuria due to a blockage of renal tubules with clots of hemoglobin (IARC 23 (1980)); depression of bone marrow functions; and hepatomegaly (EHC 224 (2001)). In accordance with these reports, the digestive system, circulatory system, nervous system, blood system, respiratory system, skin, kidney, and liver were considered to be target organs of these compounds, and this substance was classified into Category 1 (digestive system, circulatory system, nervous system, blood system, respiratory system, skin, kidney, and liver). As additional background information, the low toxicity of element arsenic is attributed to its virtual insolubility in water or in body fluids (HSDB, 2005).
9 Specific target organ toxicity - Repeated exposure Category 1 (digestive system, circulatory system, nervous system, kidney, liver, blood system, respiratory system, skin) Danger H372: Cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (digestive system, circulatory system, nervous system, kidney, liver, blood system, respiratory system, skin) 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.
P314: Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell.
P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...
No test results on repeated exposure to the element arsenic were found. According to EHC 224 (2001) on arsenic and its inorganic compounds in relation to humans, gastrointestinal tract disorder; nervous disorder; effects on the blood system; and abnormalities in cardiovascular system, kidney, and liver were observed. Thus, target organs for these substances are the gastrointestinal tract, heart, brain, and kidney. In addition, the skin, bone marrow and peripheral nervous system are also affected by these substances. Moreover, according to ACGIH (2001), the upper respiratory tract and lung are also affected. Based on these reports, this substance was classified into Category 1 (digestive system, circulatory system, nervous system, kidney, liver, blood system, respiratory system, and skin). As additional background information, the low toxicity of element arsenic is attributed to its virtual insolubility in water or in body fluids (HSDB, 2005).
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) - - - - - -
11 Hazardous to the aquatic environment (Long-term) - - - - - -


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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