NITE - Chemical Management Field

GHS Classification Result （Revision of the past classification result）

Chemical Name：alpha-Methyl styrene
CAS：98-83-9

Result：


ID:	21B3080
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	-	-	-	-	Liquid (GHS definition)
3	Aerosols	Not applicable	-	-	-	-	Not aerosol products.
4	Oxidizing gases	Not applicable	-	-	-	-	Liquid (GHS definition)
5	Gases under pressure	Not applicable	-	-	-	-	Liquid (GHS definition)
6	Flammable liquids	Category 3		Warning	H226: Flammable liquid and vapour	P303+P361+P353: IF ON SKIN （or hair）: Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P370+P378: In case of fire: Use ... for extinction. P403+P235: Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool. P210: Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. - No smoking. P233: Keep container tightly closed. P240: Ground/bond container and receiving equipment. P241: Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting/.../equipment. P242: Use only non-sparking tools. P243: Take precautionary measures against static discharge. P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...	Classified into Category 3 since flash point 54 degC (closed-cup) (IMDG (2006)) is >=23 degC and <=60 degC. The substance is classified into Class 3, PG III in UNRTDG (UN2303).
7	Flammable solids	Not applicable	-	-	-	-	Liquid (GHS definition)
8	Self-reactive substances and mixtures	Type G	-	-	-	-	Classified into Type G since the substance is classified into Class 3 in UNRTDG (UN2303) though there are chemical groups (unsaturated bond) associated with self-reactive properties present in the molecules.
9	Pyrophoric liquids	Not classified	-	-	-	-	Classified into Not classified since auto-ignition point is 574 degC (ICSC (2004)) and the substance can be judged not to spontaneously ignite on contact with room temperature air.
10	Pyrophoric solids	Not applicable	-	-	-	-	Liquid (GHS definition)
11	Self-heating substances and mixtures	Classification not possible	-	-	-	-	Test methods applicable to liquid 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	-	-	-	-	Organic compounds containing no oxygen, fluorine or chlorine
14	Oxidizing solids	Not applicable	-	-	-	-	Liquid (GHS definition)
15	Organic peroxides	Not applicable	-	-	-	-	Organic compounds containing no bivalent -O-O- structure
16	Corrosive to metals	Classification not possible	-	-	-	-	No data available.

HEALTH HAZARDS

Hazard class		Classification	Symbol	Signal word	Hazard statement	Precautionary statement	Rationale for the classification
1	Acute toxicity （Oral）	Not classified	-	-	-	-	Based on a LD50 value of 4900 mg/kg (SIDS (1998), Initial Environmental Risk Assessment of Chemicals (Ministry of Environment) vol. 4 (2005), DFGOT vol. 15 (2001)) for rats, the substance was classified into "Not classified" in JIS Classification (correspond to Category 5 in GHS classification).
1	Acute toxicity （Dermal）	Not classified	-	-	-	-	Based on a LD50 value of 16 mL/kg (14500 mg/kg) for rabbits (SIDS (1998), Initial Environmental Risk Assessment of Chemicals (Ministry of Environment) vol. 4 (2005)), the substance was classified as "Not classified".
1	Acute toxicity （Inhalation: Gases）	Not applicable	-	-	-	-	Liquid (GHS definition)
1	Acute toxicity （Inhalation: Vapours）	Classification not possible	-	-	-	-	No data available.
1	Acute toxicity （Inhalation: Dusts and mists）	Not classified	-	-	-	-	Based on a LCLo value of 3000 ppm/6h (21.74 mg/L/4h) for rats (SIDS (1998)), the substance was classified as "Not classified". Since the LCLo value (3000 ppm) was higher than saturated vapour pressure concentration (2505 ppm), the test was considered to be conducted for mists.
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 a result of "moderate irritating" in a rabbit standard Draize test (SIDS (1998)), the substance was classified into Category 2. In another rabbit Draize test in which the substance was applied for 24-hour, slight erythema was observed 1-hour after application and severe erythema, edema, blistering and skin erosion were observed 24-hour after application. The Draize score 24-hour after application was 8.0/8.0 (Initial Risk Assessment Report (NITE, CERI, NEDO) (2008)). In a rabbit test in which the substance was applied daily for 2 to 4 weeks, results are reported to be "moderate to severe irritation" and slight necrosis (DFGOT vol. 15 (2001)). Based on the data, since the effects are considered to be reversible for applications of 4-hour or less, the substance was classified into Category 2. In the test, undiluted substance (stock solution) was used.
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.	A stock solution (0.1 mL) of the substance was applied to rabbit eyes. Slight to moderate redness and slight edema were observed 1-hour after application and slight redness was observed 24-hour after application. All symptoms were resolved by 48-hour. The Draize score 24-hour after application was 8/110 in this test (Initial Risk Assessment Report (NITE, CERI, NEDO) (2008)). In another test, "only slight irritation" was observed in rabbit eyes after instillation of 2 drops of the substance to the eye (DFGOT vol. 15 (2001)). Based on the data, the substance was classified into Category 2B. As relevant information, in EU classification, the substance is classified into Xi; R36/37 (EU-Annex I (2006)).
4	Respiratory sensitization	Classification not possible	-	-	-	-	No data available.
4	Skin sensitization	Classification not possible	-	-	-	-	In a research of 128 patients with contact dermatitis after occupational exposure, it is concluded that skin sensitization following contact with alpha-methylstyrene was responsible for these effects (Initial Risk Assessment Report (NITE, CERI, NEDO) (2008)). Classification was not possible due to lack of other data suggesting skin sensitization.
5	Germ cell mutagenicity	Classification not possible	-	-	-	-	There is a positive result in an inhalation mouse peripheral blood micronucleus test (in vivo somatic cell mutagenicity test) (NTP DB (access on May 2009), Initial Risk Assessment Report (NITE, CERI, NEDO) (2008)). In this 13-week inhalation test, a slight increase in micronucleated erythrocytes (1.8 fold of negative control value) was observed in females of the highest 1000 ppm dose group. Deaths were observed at this dose level and negative result was seen in males. Since there is no positive result from in vitro mutagenicity tests, classification of the substance as Category 2 is questionable. Therefore, classification was not possible due to lack of sufficient data. As relevant information, from in vitro mutagenicity tests, there are reports of negative bacteria reverse mutation tests and CHO cell chromosomal aberration tests ("Toxicity Testing Reports of Environmental Chemicals" (Chemicals Investigation Promoting Council) (1996), NTP DB (access on May 2009)).
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 ...	In a 105-week inhalation test in male and female rats, the incidences of renal tubule adenoma and carcinoma, and mononuclear cell leukemia were significantly increased. In a 105-week inhalation test in male and female mice, the incidences of hepatocellular adenoma or carcinoma were significantly increased (NTP TR543 (2007)). Based on the data, the substance was considered to be suspected human carcinogens and classified into Category 2.
7	Reproductive toxicity	Classification not possible	-	-	-	-	In a combined repeat dose and reproductive/developmental toxicity screening test (OECD TG421), there were no effects on parental sexual function or reproductive parameters such as the mating index, the fertility index, gestation length, number of corpora lutea or implantations, the implantation index, the gestation index, the delivery index or parturition. However, two dams of the high dose group completely lost their litters and the viability index on day 4 was slightly decreased ("Toxicity Testing Reports of Environmental Chemicals" (Chemicals Investigation Promoting Council) (1996), SIDS (1998)). Since the body weight of surviving offspring increased normally, the death of offspring is likely to be secondary consequence of maternal toxic effects rather than a direct effect on the offspring ("Toxicity Testing Reports of Environmental Chemicals" (Chemicals Investigation Promoting Council) (1996)). There were no significant differences in numbers of live offspring at birth, the sex ratio, the numbers of live offspring and viability index after birth. No malformation was observed (SIDS (1998)). However, classification was not possible due to lack of sufficient data for fetal developmental toxicity including teratogenicity.
8	Specific target organ toxicity - Single exposure	Category 2 (nervous system), Category 3 (respiratory tract irritation)		Warning	H371: May cause damage to organs (nervous system) H335: May cause respiratory irritation (respiratory tract irritation)	P309+P311: IF exposed or if you feel unwell: 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. 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.	Following 8-hour inhalation (vapour) exposure, lid closure, incoordination and anesthesia were observed in rats at 12.3 mg/L (4-hour equivalent: 17.4 mg/L) (Initial Risk Assessment Report (NITE, CERI, NEDO) (2008)). Decreased locomotor activity and staggering gait were observed in the high-dose group of rats following oral exposure to the substance (Initial Risk Assessment Report (NITE, CERI, NEDO) (2008)). In rabbits, decrease in locomotor activity and convulsion were observed following dermal exposure (Initial Risk Assessment Report (NITE, CERI, NEDO) (2008)). In humans, acute exposure to styrene is suggested to cause central nervous system depression, including incoordination, muscle weakness, drunkenness and loss of consciousness (HSDB (2005)). Since the effects on nervous system were clearly indicated, and the findings of rats in the inhalation test reported above were noted at dose level within the guidance value range for Category 2, the substance was classified into Category 2 (nervous system). The substance is irritating to the upper respiratory tract as well as eyes and skin (Hazard Data Book for Chemical Substance (CERI) (2001), HSDB (2005)). In a human test, volunteers complained about severe irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyes and nose (DFGOT vol. 15 (2001)). Based on the data, the substance was classified into Category 3 (respiratory tract irritation).
9	Specific target organ toxicity - Repeated exposure	Category 2 (nasal cavity)		Warning	H373: May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (nasal cavity)	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 ...	In 14-week (0.368 mg/L and higher concentrations) and 2-year (0.491 mg/L and higher concentrations) inhalation tests in mice, the incidence of lesions, including atrophy and hyperplasia of Bowman's glands and atrophy and metaplasia of the olfactory epithelium, were significantly increased in both sexes of all exposed groups (NTP TR543 (2007)). In a 2-year inhalation test in rats, significantly increased incidence of degeneration of the olfactory epithelium (at 1.473 mg/L and higher concentrations) and basal cell hyperplasia (at 0.491 mg/L and higher concentrations) were observed (NTP TR543 (2007)). Since these nasal lesions were noted at dose levels exceeding the guidance value range for Category 2, the substance was classified into Category 2 (nasal cavity). Although effects on the liver and kidney are reported in other oral and inhalation toxicity tests ("Toxicity Testing Reports of Environmental Chemicals" (Chemicals Investigation Promoting Council) (1996), NTP TR543 (2007)), adverse effects are not found at dose levels within the guidance value range. Acidophilic change of hepatocytes and increased GPT observed in an oral test ("Toxicity Testing Reports of Environmental Chemicals" (Chemicals Investigation Promoting Council) (1996)) are considered to be adaptive changes. Hyaline droplet deposition in the kidney observed in male rats was considered to be specific to male rats since alpha 2 microglobulin was detected ("Toxicity Testing Reports of Environmental Chemicals" (Chemicals Investigation Promoting Council) (1996), NTP TR543 (2007)). There is a report of "long-term inhalation exposure can induce central nervous system depression" in humans (Hazard Data Book for Chemical Substance (CERI) (2001)). However, this information is reported in a document in List 3, therefore the data was not used as the basis of classification.
10	Aspiration hazard	Category 1		Danger	H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways	P301+P310: IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. P331: Do NOT induce vomiting. P405: Store locked up. P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...	Since the substance is a hydrocarbon with a kinematic viscosity of 1.0 mm2/s at 20 degC (extrapolated from a density of 0.9106 g/cm3 at 20 degC (Ullmanns (E) (6th, 2003)) and has a viscosity of 0.94 mPas (Ullmanns (E) (6th, 2003))), the substance was classified into Category 1.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

Hazard class		Classification	Symbol	Signal word	Hazard statement	Precautionary statement	Rationale for the classification
11	Hazardous to the aquatic environment （Acute）	Category 2	-	-	H401: Toxic to aquatic life	P273: Avoid release to the environment. P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...	Classified into Category 2 from its 48h-EC50 = 2.6 mg/L for Crustacea (Daphnia magna) (Test for the Ecological Effect of Chemical Substances (Ministry of the Environment), 1996).
11	Hazardous to the aquatic environment （Long-term）	Category 2		-	H411: 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 2 since its acute toxicity is Category 2 and it is not rapidly degradable (BOD degradation rate: 0% (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）