GHS Classification Result
GENERAL INFORMATION
REFERENCE INFORMATION
PHYSICAL HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
NOTE:
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| CAS RN | 7646-79-9 |
| Chemical Name | Cobalt(II) chloride |
| Substance ID | H27-B-053/C-089B_P |
| Classification year (FY) | FY2015 |
| Ministry who conducted the classification | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)/Ministry of the Environment (MOE) |
| New/Revised | Revised |
| Classification result in other fiscal year | FY2014 FY2008 |
| Download of Excel format | Excel file |
REFERENCE INFORMATION
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Guidance used for the classification (External link) | GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1)) |
| UN GHS document (External link) | UN GHS document |
| Definitions/Abbreviations (Excel file) | Definitions/Abbreviations |
| Model Label by MHLW (External link) | MHLW Website (in Japanese Only) |
| Model SDS by MHLW (External link) | MHLW Website (in Japanese Only) |
| OECD/eChemPortal (External link) | eChemPortal |
| Hazard class | Classification | Pictogram Signal word |
Hazard statement (code) |
Precautionary statement (code) |
Rationale for the classification | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Explosives | Not applicable |
- |
- | - | There are no chemical groups associated with explosive properties present in the molecule. |
| 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 | Not classified |
- |
- | - | It is not combustible (GESTIS (Access on August 2015)). |
| 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 not combustible (GESTIS (Access on August 2015)). |
| 11 | Self-heating substances and mixtures | Not classified |
- |
- | - | It is not combustible (GESTIS (Access on August 2015)). |
| 12 | Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases | Not classified |
- |
- | - | It is estimated that it does not react vigorously with water because water solubility was measured. Water solubility: 529 g/L (20 deg C) (GESTIS (Access on August 2015)) |
| 13 | Oxidizing liquids | Not applicable |
- |
- | - | Solid (GHS definition). |
| 14 | Oxidizing solids | Classification not possible |
- |
- | - | It is an inorganic compound containing chlorine, but the classification is not possible due to no data. |
| 15 | Organic peroxides | Not applicable |
- |
- | - | It is an inorganic compound. |
| 16 | Corrosive to metals | Classification not possible |
- |
- | - | Test methods applicable to solid substances are not available. |
| Hazard class | Classification | Pictogram Signal word |
Hazard statement (code) |
Precautionary statement (code) |
Rationale for the classification | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acute toxicity (Oral) | Category 3 |
 Danger |
H301 | P301+P310 P264 P270 P321 P330 P405 P501 |
There were five LD50 values for rats of 80 mg/kg (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013)), 93.4 mg/kg (CICAD 69 (2006), ATSDR (2004)), 161.1 mg/kg (ATSDR (2004)), 418 mg/kg (CICAD 69 (2006)), and 418 mg/kg (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol. 11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013)). Three values correspond to Category 3 and two values correspond to Category 4, therefore, it was classified in Category 3 to which the larger number of data corresponds. The information obtained in this research was added, and category was revised. |
| 1 | Acute toxicity (Dermal) | Classification not possible |
- |
- | - | Classification not possible due to lack of data. Besides, there is a report of the LDLo value of 2,000 mg/kg (RTECS (Access on September 2015)) for rats, but it was an information source in List 3, and the original report could not be confirmed, therefore, it was not adopted for the classification. |
| 1 | Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Gases) | Not applicable |
- |
- | - | Solid (GHS definition) |
| 1 | Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Vapours) | Not applicable |
- |
- | - | Solid (GHS definition) |
| 1 | Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Dusts and mists) | Classification not possible |
- |
- | - | Classification not possible due to lack of data. |
| 2 | Skin corrosion/irritation | Category 2 |
 Warning |
H315 | P302+P352 P332+P313 P362+P364 P264 P280 P321 |
Based on a description that this substance is irritating to the skin in humans (HSDB (Access on September 2015)), it was classified in Category 2. |
| 3 | Serious eye damage/eye irritation | Category 2 |
Warning |
H319 | P305+P351+P338 P337+P313 P264 P280 |
Based on a description that this substance is irritating to the eyes (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013), HSDB (Access on September 2015)), it was classified in Category 2. |
| 4 | Respiratory sensitization | Category 1 |
 Danger |
H334 | P304+P340 P342+P311 P261 P284 P501 |
There are multiple reports of the asthma due to occupational exposure to this substance (DFGOT Vol.23 (2007)). Moreover, the Japan Society for Occupational Health classified cobalt compounds as occupational sensitizers to the airway Group 1 (Recommendation of Occupational Exposure Limits (2015)). From the above, this substance was classified in Category 1. Besides, there is a description that not all substances related to sensitization are identified (Recommendation of Occupational Exposure Limits (Japan Society For Occupational Health (JSOH), 2015)). This substance is classified as "Resp. Sens. 1 H334" in EU CLP classification (ECHA CL Inventory (Access on September 2015)). |
| 4 | Skin sensitization | Category 1 |
Warning |
H317 | P302+P352 P333+P313 P362+P364 P261 P272 P280 P321 P501 |
It is reported that sensitization by application of this substance was observed in a maximization test with guinea pigs (DFGOT Vol.23 (2007)), and multiple positive results in human patch tests were reported (DFGOT Vol.23 (2007)). Moreover, the Japan Society for Occupational Health classified cobalt compounds as occupational skin sensitizers Group 1 (Recommendation of Occupational Exposure Limits (2015)). From the above, this substance was classified in Category 1. Besides, there is a description that not all substances related to sensitization are identified (Recommendation of Occupational Exposure Limits (Japan Society For Occupational Health (JSOH), 2015)). This substance was classified as "Skin sens. 1 H317" in EU CLP classification (ECHA CL Inventory (Access on September 2015)). |
| 5 | Germ cell mutagenicity | Category 2 |
Warning |
H341 | P308+P313 P201 P202 P280 P405 P501 |
As for in vivo, micronucleus tests and chromosomal aberration tests with bone marrow cells of mice were positive (CICAD 69 (2006), DFGOT Vol. 23 (2007)). As for in vitro, bacterial reverse mutation tests, mammalian cell gene mutation tests, and micronucleus tests in human lymphocytes were all positive (DFGOT Vol. 23 (2007)). From the above, in vivo somatic cell mutagenicity tests were positive, therefore, it was classified in Category 2 according to the GHS classification guidance for the Japanese government. |
| 6 | Carcinogenicity | Category 2 |
Warning |
H351 | P308+P313 P201 P202 P280 P405 P501 |
There is no information on carcinogenicity of soluble cobalt compounds including this substance in humans. As for experimental animals, there is a result that after powder of this substance (cobalt chloride) was administered by subcutaneous injection to rats, at 40 mg/kg every 9 days, five times, development of fibrosarcomas under the skin was observed by autopsy 12 months later (IARC 52 (1991)). In addition, as a carcinogenicity evaluation using soluble cobalt compounds, in 2-year inhalation carcinogenicity studies in which rats or mice were exposed by inhalation to cobalt sulfate heptahydrate, a dose-dependent increase in the incidence of alveolar/bronchiolar adenoma or cancer was observed in every species and sex (IARC 86 (2006)). Therefore, IARC concluded that there was sufficient evidence for carcinogenicity, and classified cobalt and cobalt compounds in Group 2B (IARC 52 (1991)). Moreover, in the 2006 reevaluation, cobalt sulfate and other soluble cobalt (II) salts were classified in Group 2B (IARC Vol. 86 (2006)). Other than this, ACGIH classified cobalt (elemental and inorganic compounds) in A3, the Japan Society for Occupational Health classified cobalt and cobalt compounds in 2B (ACGIH (7th, 2001)). From the above, it was classified in Category 2 for this hazard class according to the GHS classification guidance for the Japanese government. Besides, the EU classified this substance in "Carc. 1B," and adopted this as the evidence of SVHC designation (ECHA Candidate List of substances of very high concern for Authorization (Access on September 2015)). |
| 7 | Reproductive toxicity | Category 2 |
Warning |
H361 | P308+P313 P201 P202 P280 P405 P501 |
There is no information on reproductive effects in humans. As for experimental animals, with respect to this substance (cobalt chloride), there is a description that as a result of mating female mice with male mice dosed orally (drinking water) for 13 weeks, a decrease in the female fertility index was observed, and in males, a decrease in testis weight, sperm concentration, and sperm motility, and an increase in serum testosterone concentration were observed at doses of 400 mg/L or higher (47 mg/kg/day) (IARC 86 (2006), Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013)). Also, there is a description that as the result of oral (drinking water) administration to pregnant mice from gestational day 14 to lactation day 21, an increase in postnatal mortality and reduced growth were observed in neonatal at doses where maternal toxicity was manifested (no toxicity details were described) (IARC 86 (2006), CICAD 69 (2006), Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013)). In addition, as a test result of soluble cobalt compounds, in tests in which cobalt sulfate was administered by gavage to pregnant rats or mice (rats: gestational day 6-15, mice: gestational day 1-20, 25-100 mg/kg/day), an increase in ratio of low weight fetus, fetal death, and ossification delay were observed as developmental toxicity effects, also in oral dose by gavage to pregnant rabbits at doses of 20 mg/kg/day (gestational day 6-20), a decrease in weight gain in maternal animals and an increase in ratio of low weight fetus were observed (CICAD 69 (2006), ATSDR (2004), Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013)). From the above, as the reproductive toxicity effects of this substance by the oral route, decreased fertility index at doses where testis toxicity was clear in paternal animals, and decreased survival rate in neonatal, and growth inhibition by dosing pregnant animals during pregnancy and lactation period were observed. Moreover, the fetal toxicity such as reduced fetal weight and an increase in mortality was observed also in administration of cobalt sulfate, which is soluble cobalt compound, to pregnant female animals during organogenesis. Therefore, this substance was classified in Category 2 for this hazard class. Besides, EU classified this substance as "Repr. 1B," and adopted that as the evidence of SVHC designation (ECHA Candidate List of substances of very high concern for Authorization (Access on September 2015)). |
| 8 | Specific target organ toxicity - Single exposure | Category 1 (central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney), Category 3 (respiratory tract irritation) |
Danger Warning |
H370 H335 |
P308+P311 P260 P264 P270 P321 P405 P501 P304+P340 P403+P233 P261 P271 P312 |
This substance is irritating to the respiratory tract (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013)). In humans, in a case report of a 6-year-old boy who had ingested approximately 1.7 mg of cobalt chloride, neutropenia by 7 hours post-exposure was reported (ATSDR (2004)). As for experimental animals, there is a description that lowered locomotor activity, decreased muscle tone, decreased response to touch, decreased respiratory rate, effects on the liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract, and death (it is described that cause of death is unknown) were observed in orally dosed rats (doses equivalent to Category 1) (ATSDR (2004)). In addition, sedation, diarrhoea, and hypothermia in oral doses were reported though the animal species and doses are unknown, and pulmonary hemorrhage, pulmonary edema, and death in inhalation exposure (doses were unknown) with guinea pigs were reported (IARC 52 (1991)). Since the neutropenia in humans was the finding in only one person, effects on the haemal system were not adopted. From the above, it was classified in Category 1 (central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney), Category 3 (respiratory tract irritation) since this substance was considered to have effects on the central nervous system and effects on the liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract from findings in experimental animals as well as respiratory tract irritation. Besides, in the previous classification, the findings in HSDB (2004) were described as "depressing production of erythrocytes in children may produce cyanosis, coma and death," and "other effects of this substance include retrosternal chest pain, tinnitus, nausea and vomiting, nerve deafness, thyroid hyperplasia with tracheal compression, myxedema, and fatigue." Since both documents have a description of therapeutics, they were inferred as treatment examples of humans, and they were not adopted as a target of a single-exposure. The category in the previous classification was revised. |
| 9 | Specific target organ toxicity - Repeated exposure | Category 1 (nervous system, respiratory organs, cardiovascular system, thyroid, haemal system), Category 2 (testis) |
Danger Warning |
H372 H373 |
P260 P264 P270 P314 P501 |
In humans, it was reported that as disorders from overdose of this substance or cobalt sulfate used for the treatment of anemia, effects on the nervous system (anorexia, nausea, tinnitus, hearing loss, neuropathy) and thyroid (goiter and inhibition of thyroid gland iodine uptake) were observed, and as result of oral administration of this substance to volunteers, it was reported that erythroid hematopoiesis was enhanced and there were many chief complaints of headaches and abdominal discomfort as subjective symptoms (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013), CICAD 69 (2006)). Also, as cobalt sulfate had been added for the purpose of stabilizing the foam on beer, deaths due to cardiomyopathy were reported among heavy beer drinkers and myocardial damage action of cobalt was a concern (CICAD 69 (2006), ACGIH (7th, 2001)). By restricting the addition of cobalt, it is said that the occurrence of cardiomyopathy and resulting death had disappeared (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013)). From the above, the nervous system, cardiovascular system, thyroid, haemal system could be cited as target organs of repeated exposures to soluble cobalt compounds including this substance in humans. As for experimental animals, in tests with rats dosed with this substance by gavage for 7 months, increases in red blood cell numbers and hemoglobin levels were observed at doses of 0.5 mg/kg/day or more (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013), CICAD 69 (2006)). Blood effects were also observed in tests with rats orally given the hexahydrate of this substance by gavage for 8 weeks (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013), CICAD 69 (2006)). In addition, in 13-week or 2-year inhalation exposure tests with rats or mice on cobalt sulfate heptahydrate, inflammatory tissue changes in the respiratory organs were observed from the low concentration of 0.3 mg/m3 in both rats and mice and also in the 13-week exposure test with rats, the effects on the blood (polycythemia, platelet count reduction, increased reticulocyte counts) were observed in addition to the above (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013), CICAD 69 (2006)). Other than this, it was reported that in a test in which male mice were given 200-800 ppm of this substance in the drinking water for 12 weeks, decrease in the weight of the testes, decrease in the epididymal sperm count, reduced daily sperm production and necrosis of the seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue were observed at 400-800 ppm (43 to 96 mg/kg/day, corresponding to Category 2) (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013), CICAD 69 (2006)). From the above, it was considered that the target organs of soluble cobalt compounds including this substance were the respiratory organs, haemal system, and testes, and the effect on the testes and the others were seen at the doses within the range of Category 2 and Category 1, respectively. Therefore, based on information regarding effects of repeated exposure of soluble cobalt compounds to humans and experimental animals, this substance was classified in Category 1 (nervous system, respiratory organs, cardiovascular system, thyroid, haemal system) and Category 2 (testis). |
| 10 | Aspiration hazard | Classification not possible |
- |
- | - | Classification not possible due to lack of data. |
| Hazard class | Classification | Pictogram Signal word |
Hazard statement (code) |
Precautionary statement (code) |
Rationale for the classification | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Hazardous to the aquatic environment (Acute) | Category 1 |
 Warning |
H400 | P273 P391 P501 |
From 7-day EC50 (growth, wet weight) = 212 microg Co/L (converted value: 0.47 mg CoCl2/L) for monocots (Lemna minor) (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances vol. 11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013)), it was classified in Category 1. |
| 11 | Hazardous to the aquatic environment (Long-term) | Category 1 |
Warning |
H410 | P273 P391 P501 |
If chronic toxicity data are used, then it is classified in Category 1 due to the unknown behavior of metal in water, and 16-day NOEC (survival) = 0.06 mg Co/L (converted value: 0.13 mg CoCl2/L) for fish (Danio rerio) (CICAD 69, 2006). If acute toxicity data are used for a trophic level for which chronic toxicity data are not obtained, then it is classified in Category 2 due to the unknown behavior of the metal in water, and 48-hour LC50 = 1110 microg Co/L (converted value: 2.4 mg CoCl2/L) for crustacea (Daphnia magna) (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances vol. 11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013)). By drawing a comparison between the above results, it was classified in Category 1. |
| 12 | Hazardous to the ozone layer | Classification not possible |
- |
- | - | No data available. |
NOTE:
| * A blank or "-" in a cell of classification denotes that the classification of the hazard class was not conducted. * Hazard_statement_and/or_Precautionary_statement will show when hovering the mouse over a code of Hazard_statement_and/or_Precautionary_statement. Hazard_statement_and/or_Precautionary_statement are also provided in the Excel file. * 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. * Codes assigned to each of the hazard statements and codes for each of the precautionary statement are based on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) in United Nations. |