GHS Classification Result (Revision of the past classification result)

Chemical Name:Naphthalene
CAS:91-20-3

Result:
ID: 21B3046
Classifier: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Ministry of the Environment (MOE)
Year Classified: FY2009
Reference Manual: GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government (March, 2009)

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 solids Category 2 Warning H228: Flammable solids P370+P378: In case of fire: Use ... for extinction.
P210: Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. - No smoking.
P240: Ground/bond container and receiving equipment.
P241: Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting/.../equipment.
P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
The substance is classified into Division 4.1, PG III in UNRTDG (UN1334).
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 - - - - Auto-ignition point is 526 degC (NFPA (13th, 2006)) exceeding 70 degC.
11 Self-heating substances and mixtures Classification not possible - - - - Test methods applicable to solid (melting point <= 140 degC) substances are not available.
12 Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases Not applicable - - - - The chemical structure of the substance does not contain metals or metalloids (B, Si, P, Ge, As, Se, Sn, Sb, Te, Bi, Po, At).
13 Oxidizing liquids Not applicable - - - - Solid (GHS definition)
14 Oxidizing solids Not applicable - - - - Containing no oxygen, fluorine or chlorine in the molecule
15 Organic peroxides Not applicable - - - - Organic compounds containing no bivalent -O-O- structure
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 ...
LD50 values are 490 mg/kg (PATTY (5th, 2001)), approximately 1800 mg/kg (ACGIH (7th, 2001)), 1780 mg/kg (DFGOT vol. 11 (1998)), 9430 mg/kg (DFGOT vol. 11 (1998), NTP TR500 (2000)), 1110 mg/kg (DFGOT vol. 11 (1998), NTP TR500 (2000)), 2300 mg/kg (EU RAR (2003)), >2000 mg/kg (EU RAR (2003)) and 2600 mg/kg (ATSDR (2003)) for rats. Since four values correspond to Category 4 and four values are "Not classified", the category with higher hazard was adopted and the substance was classified into Category 4.
1 Acute toxicity (Dermal) Not classified - - - - Based on LD50 values of >2500 mg/kg for rats (NTP TR500 (2000)) and >2000 mg/kg for rabbits (EU RAR (2003)), the substance was classified as "Not classified" in JIS Classification (correspond to Category 5 or "Not classified" in GHS classification).
1 Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Gases) Not applicable - - - - Solid (GHS definition)
1 Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Vapours) Classification not possible - - - - Although a LC50 value is >0.5 mg/L/8h (0.7 mg/L/4h) for rats (NTP TR500 (2000)), classification was not possible due to lack of sufficient data for classification. Since LC50 value (0.5 mg/L) was lower than 90% of saturated vapour pressure concentration (0.571 mg/L), it is considered that the test was conducted for vapour.
1 Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Dusts and mists) Classification not possible - - - - No data available.
2 Skin corrosion/irritation Not classified - - - - When the substance was administered dermally to 6 rabbits for 4-hour, very slight to well defined erythema was noted in 3 animals, and slight fissuring of the skin was noted in 3 animals, but there were no signs of oedema in any of the animals. By day 6 after administration, all scores had returned to zero (EU RAR (2003)). In a second test using 6 rabbits, grade 1 - 2 erythema and grade 0 - 2 oedema were noted at 24-hour after application, but the effects tended to reverse at 72-hour after application. The substance was "slightly irritating" (EU RAR (2003)). Based on these results, the substance was classified as "Not classified" in JIS Classification (correspond to Category 3 in GHS classification).
3 Serious eye damage/eye irritation Category 2B - Warning H320: Causes 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.
There is a report of "weak transient irritation" in a rabbit test (DFGOT vol. 11 (1998)). In a second test with 6 rabbits, slight iritis was seen in 1 rabbit, 5 rabbits showed a very slight conjunctival reddening and 2 animals showed slight conjunctival swelling. No ocular abnormalities were noted. Overall, an irritation score of 1.6 was calculated and the substance was "non-irritant" (EU RAR (2003)). Additionally, there is another report of "mild ocular irritation" reversing within 7 days (ATSDR (2003)). Based on these reports, the substance was classified into Category 2B.
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 ...
There is a report that a 43-year old patient who suffered from acute recurrent dermatitis and one of 598 patients examined as a result of dermatosis reacted in an epicutaneous test with this substance (DFGOT vol. 11 (1998)). The frequency of allergy to naphthalene is stated as being 0.13% (DFGOT vol. 11 (1998)). The substance was classified into Category 1. As relevant information, although there is a report of negative results in 2 guinea pig skin sensitizing tests (Buehler test and maximization test; positive rate: 0% in both tests) (EU-RAR (2003)), no firm conclusions can be drawn from these tests due to flaw in the test procedure (EU-RAR (2003)).
5 Germ cell mutagenicity Not classified - - - - Based on negative results in a mouse bone marrow micronucleus test by oral administration (in vivo somatic cell mutagenicity test) (DFGOT vol. 11 (1998), EU RAR (2003), IARC 82 (2002), IRIS (1988), ATSDR (2003)), the substance was classified as "Not classified". As relevant information, from in vitro mutagenicity tests, there are reports of negative mammalian cell gene mutation tests (IARC 82 (2002), ATSDR (2003)), positive mammalian cell micronucleus tests (IARC 82 (2002), NTP TR 500 (2000)), positive mammalian cell chromosomal aberration tests (ACGIH (7th, 2001), DFGOT vol. 11 (1998), IRIS (1998), ATSDR (2003), EU RAR (2003), IARC 82 (2002), NTP DB (access on May. 2009)) and negative Ames tests (ACGIH (7th, 2001), DFGOT vol. 11 (1998), EU RAR (2003), IARC 82 (2002), ATSDR (2003), IRIS (1998), NTP TR 500 (2000), NTP DB (1987)).
6 Carcinogenicity Category 2 Warning H351: Suspected of causing 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 ...
Based on the classification of "Group 2B" in IARC (IARC 82 (2002)), the substance was classified into Category 2. As relevant information, the substance is classified into "A4" in ACGIH (ACGIH (7th, 2001)), "CBD" in EPA (1998) (IRIS (2005)), Category 3 in EU classification (EU-Annex I (2005)), "2" in DFG (MAK/BAT (2004)) and "R" in NTP (Chemical Risk Information Platform (CHRIP) (2009)). In a 2-year inhalation carcinogenicity test in rats, the incidences of adenoma of the respiratory epithelium and neuroblastomas of the olfactory epithelium were increased in both sexes (NTP TR No. 500 (2000)). In a 2-year inhalation carcinogenicity test in mice, increased incidences of alveolar/bronchiolar adenomas was observed in females but not in males (NTP TR No. 410 (1992)).
7 Reproductive toxicity Classification not possible - - - - In rat tests by oral administration during the gestation or organogenesis period, no adverse effects on pups were observed at dose levels in which body weight loss and changes in food and water consumption were observed in maternal animals (NTP DB (1991)). In a developmental toxicity test in rabbits by oral administration during organogenesis period, there were no signs of fetotoxicity at dose levels in which general toxicity was manifested in maternal animals (EU-RAR (2003)). Since there were no data for effects on parental sexual function and fertility, classification was not possible due to lack of sufficient data.
8 Specific target organ toxicity - Single exposure Category 1 (blood, eye, respiratory tract) Danger H370: Causes damage to organs (blood, eye, respiratory tract) 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 ...
Based on numerous reports that hemolytic anemia was detected in exposed humans (ACGIH (7th, 2001), EU-RAR (2003), NTP TR500 (2000), ATSDR (2003)), the substance was classified into Category 1 (blood system). In addition, based on a case report that ingestion led to the formation of cataracts in a human (DFGOT vol. 11 (1998)) and reports that rabbits administered orally (1000 - 3000 mg/kg) developed cataracts (ACGIH (7th, 2001)) or corneal opacity (DFGOT vol. 11 (1998)), the substance was classified into Category 1 (eye). Similar damage to the respiratory tract was observed in mice subjected to inhalation exposure for 4-hour at concentrations of 0.1 - 0.35 mg/L (DFGOT vol. 11 (1998), IARC 82 (2002), EHC 202 (1998)). Based on the data, the substance was classified into Category 1 (respiratory tract). In an oral test in mice, administration produced injury (swelling, vacuolation, exfoliation, necrosis) of the tracheobronchial epithelial Clara cells at dose levels within the guidance value range for Category 2 (400 mg/kg) (NTP TR 500 (2000)).
9 Specific target organ toxicity - Repeated exposure Category 1 (blood, eye, respiratory system) Danger H372: Cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (blood, eye, respiratory system) 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 ...
Based on reports that repeated inhalation exposure of humans caused haemolytic anaemia (DFGOT vol. 11 (1998), EU-RAR (2003)) and reports that corneal ulceration and cataracts occurred after occupational exposure (ACGIH (7th, 2001), DFGOT vol. 11 (1998), EU-RAR (2003), NTP TR500 (2000)), the substance was classified into Category 1 (blood system, eye). In a 13-week inhalation test in rats (vapour, 6 hour/day), hyperplasia of basal cells in the olfactory epithelium was observed at a concentration of 58 ppm/day (0.3 mg/L/day) (EU-RAR (2003)). In 2-year inhalation tests in rats and mice (vapour, 6 hour/day), hyperplasia of epithelium in the nasal cavity and respiratory tract was observed in both species and chronic inflammation in the lung was observed in mice (NTP TR410 (1992), NTP TR500 (2000)). Based on the data, the substance was classified into Category 1 (respiratory system).
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) Category 1 Warning H400: Very toxic to aquatic life P273: Avoid release to the environment.
P391: Collect spillage.
P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...
Classified into Category 1 from its 96h-LC50 = 770 microg/L for fish (Rainbow trout) (EHC 202, 1998).
11 Hazardous to the aquatic environment (Long-term) Category 1 Warning H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects P273: Avoid release to the environment.
P391: Collect spillage.
P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...
Classified into Category 1 since its acute toxicity is Category 1 and it is not rapidly degradable (BOD degradation rate: 2% (Biodegradation and Bioconcentration of Existing Chemical Substances under the Chemical Substances Control Law, 1979)).
12 Hazardous to the ozone layer Classification not possible - - - - This substance is not listed in Annexes to the Montreal Protocol.


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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