GHS Classification Result
GENERAL INFORMATION
REFERENCE INFORMATION
PHYSICAL HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
NOTE:
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| CAS RN | 544-18-3 |
| Chemical Name | Cobalt(II) formate |
| Substance ID | H28-A-039, C-089A |
| Classification year (FY) | FY2016 |
| Ministry who conducted the classification | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)/Ministry of the Environment (MOE) |
| New/Revised | New |
| Classification result in other fiscal year | |
| 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 |
- |
- | - | Because cobalt acetate (II) is not combustible (HSDB (Access on July 2016)), it is estimated that this substance is also not combustible. |
| 8 | Self-reactive substances and mixtures | Classification not possible |
- |
- | - | No data available. |
| 9 | Pyrophoric liquids | Not applicable |
- |
- | - | Solid (GHS definition). |
| 10 | Pyrophoric solids | Not classified |
- |
- | - | Because cobalt acetate (II) is not combustible (HSDB (Access on July 2016)), it is estimated that this substance is also not combustible. |
| 11 | Self-heating substances and mixtures | Not classified |
- |
- | - | Because cobalt acetate (II) is not combustible (HSDB (Access on July 2016)), it is estimated that this substance is also not combustible. |
| 12 | Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases | Classification not possible |
- |
- | - | No data available. |
| 13 | Oxidizing liquids | Not applicable |
- |
- | - | Solid (GHS definition). |
| 14 | Oxidizing solids | Not applicable |
- |
- | - | The substance is an organic compound containing oxygen (but not fluorine or chlorine) which is ionically bonded to the element other than carbon or hydrogen (Co) and does not contribute to oxidation. |
| 15 | Organic peroxides | Not applicable |
- |
- | - | Organic compounds containing no bivalent -O-O- structure in the molecule |
| 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) | Classification not possible |
- |
- | - | Classification not possible due to lack of data. |
| 1 | Acute toxicity (Dermal) | Classification not possible |
- |
- | - | Classification not possible due to lack of data. |
| 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 | Classification not possible |
- |
- | - |
Classification not possible due to lack of data. Besides, it is reported that cobalt(II) formate dihydrate causes skin irritation in humans (HSDB (Access on July 2016)). This information was not adopted as the evidence for classification since the details are unknown. |
| 3 | Serious eye damage/eye irritation | Classification not possible |
- |
- | - |
Classification not possible due to lack of data. Besides, it is reported that cobalt(II) formate dihydrate causes eye irritation in humans (HSDB (Access on July 2016)). This information was not adopted as the evidence for classification since the details are unknown. |
| 4 | Respiratory sensitization | Category 1A |
 Danger |
H334 |
P304+P340
P342+P311 P261 P284 P501 |
According to Recommendation of Occupational Exposure Limits (Japan Society For Occupational Health (JSOH), 2015), cobalt and its compounds are listed in Group 1 of occupational sensitizers to the airway. Therefore, this substance was classified in Category 1A. |
| 4 | Skin sensitization | Category 1A |
 Warning |
H317 |
P302+P352
P333+P313 P362+P364 P261 P272 P280 P321 P501 |
According to Recommendation of Occupational Exposure Limits (Japan Society For Occupational Health (JSOH), 2015), cobalt and its compounds are listed in Group 1 of occupational sensitizers to the skin. Therefore, this substance was classified in Category 1A. |
| 5 | Germ cell mutagenicity | Classification not possible |
- |
- | - |
There is no data available for this substance itself. As for in vivo tests, it was reported that the results were positive in a micronucleus test and a chromosomal aberration test using mouse bone marrow cells for cobalt dichloride, a soluble cobalt(II) compound (ATSDR (2004), CICAD 69 (2009), Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013)), but these data are not fully reliable or valid. It is reported that significant increases in micronuclei or DNA damage in peripheral blood were not detected in exposure to workers (SIAP (2014)). As for in vitro tests, both positive and negative results were reported for bacterial reverse mutation tests. In cultured mammalian cell systems, a micronucleus test, a chromosomal aberration test, and a gene mutation test were positive (ATSDR (2004), CICAD (2009), Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013), IARC 52 (1991)). However, in vitro micronucleus tests performed using mouse bone marrow cells isolated from the in vivo micronucleus tests described above, the result was negative regardless of the presence or absence of S9. In SIAP (2014), it was described that soluble cobalt does not show mutagenicity (mutations) to bacteria and cells, but does show chromosomal damage in vitro, and that this is presumed to be due to reactive oxygen species (ROS). According to the weight of evidence, based on negative findings in in vivo chromosomal damage tests and negative findings in human occupational exposure, it is said that protective processes are effective in vivo. From the above, because soluble cobalt compounds have no in vivo effect, this substance was classified as "Classification not possible." |
| 6 | Carcinogenicity | Category 2 |
Warning |
H351 |
P308+P313
P201 P202 P280 P405 P501 |
There are no test results for this substance itself. Cobalt and cobalt compounds are classified in Group 2B by IARC (IARC 52 (1991)), A3 by ACGIH (ACGIH (7th, 2001), Group 2B by Japan Society For Occupational Health (JSOH) (Recommendation of Occupational Exposure Limits, 2015) and R by NTP (NTP RoC 14th, 2016). Therefore, this substance was classified in Category 2. |
| 7 | Reproductive toxicity | Category 1B |
Danger |
H360 |
P308+P313
P201 P202 P280 P405 P501 |
Although there is no information on the reproductive effects of this substance itself, information regarding soluble cobalt compounds is considered to be available. In a test in which cobalt chloride hexahydrate was fed to male rats (265 ppm: 20 mg Co/kg/day), moderate to severe congestion appeared in the testes after administration for 35 days. Significant effects on spermatogonial cells, spermatocytes and sperm cells were also observed in addition to degenerative or necrotic changes in the testicular germinal epitheliums and Sertoli cells after administration for 70 days (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013). In a test where male mice given cobalt(II) chloride in drinking water for 12 weeks were mated with unexposed females, decreases were observed in the epididymal sperm count and in the survival of newborn pups at doses of 200 mg/L or higher. At doses of 400 mg/L or higher, the number of pregnant animals was reduced (declining fertility of males), testis weights decreased, testicular sperm counts and daily sperm production were reduced; and in a tissue observation of testes hypertrophy of the interstitial Leydig cells, congested blood vessels, degeneration of the spermatogonial cells, necrosis of the seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue etc. were observed at doses of 400 mg/L or higher (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013), CICAD 69 (2006)). In another study in which pregnant rats were given cobalt sulfate by gavage (gestation day 1 to 21), from the 50 mg/kg/day dose level, which is lower than the level of maternal toxicity expression (at 100 mg/kg/day, relative weight decrease of the liver, adrenal gland, and spleen are observed), fetuses were reported to have malformations (malformations of the cranium, spinal column, renal pelvis, renal tubule, ovary, and testis), and it was also reported that in orally administered pregnant mice (gestation days 6 to 15), at 50 mg/kg/day, malformations of eyelids, kidneys, cranium, and spine occurred in fetuses (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013)). From the above, in soluble cobalt compounds, harmful effects on male genetic organs and consequent reduction in fertility by the oral route, and teratogenicity were all observed at dose levels without the maternal toxicity. Since this substance is also a soluble cobalt compound, it is considered that similar reproductive and developmental toxicities are likely to occur. Therefore, this substance was classified in Category 1B. |
| 8 | Specific target organ toxicity - Single exposure | Category 2 (central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract), Category 3 (respiratory tract irritation) |
Warning |
H371
H335 |
P308+P311
P260 P264 P270 P405 P501 P304+P340 P403+P233 P261 P271 P312 |
No single exposure data for humans or experimental animals is available. This substance is described as soluble in water (HSDB (Access on July 2016)). In a single oral dose test of cobalt (II) dichloride (CAS RN 7646-79-9), which is a soluble cobalt salt, decreased spontaneous activity, depression of muscle tone, depression of respiration rate, effects on the gastrointestinal tract were reported at doses equivalent to Category 1 (ATSDR (2004)), and it was classified in Category 1 (central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract) in the GHS Classification (FY 2015). Also cobalt dichloride and along with other soluble cobalt salts such as cobalt (II) sulfate, cobalt (II) dinitrate and cobalt (II) diacetate were administered in acute oral dose tests using rats, and sedation, diarrhoea, tremors and convulsions prior to death, decrease in body temperature, increased heart rate, and piloerection were observed at the highest dose (corresponding to Category 2), but no macroscopic alterations were observed in the most significant organs and most effects disappeared after 72 hours (SIAP (2014)). Furthermore, it is stated that cobalt(II) chloride, cobalt(II) sulfate, cobalt(II) nitrate and cobalt (II) acetate all stimulate the respiratory tract (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013)). Together with the above information, it is considered that this substance also shows respiratory tract irritation in addition to the effects on the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract as with other soluble cobalt salts. Therefore, this substance was classified in Category 2 (central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract) and Category 3 (respiratory tract irritation). |
| 9 | Specific target organ toxicity - Repeated exposure | Category 1 (nervous system, respiratory organs, cardiovascular system, thyroid, haemal system), Category 2 (genetic organs (men)) |
Danger Warning |
H372
H373 |
P260
P264 P270 P314 P501 |
It is described that this substance is soluble in water (HSDB (Access on July 2016)). No data regarding humans or experimental animals is available for this substance. As information for soluble cobalt compounds, in humans, it was reported that as disorders in overdose of cobalt chloride 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 a result of oral administration of cobalt chloride to volunteers, it was reported that erythroid haematopoiesis was enhanced and there were many 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 using rats dosed with cobalt dichloride by gavage for 7 months, increases in red blood cell numbers and hemoglobin levels were observed at doses of 0.5 mg Co/kg/day or more (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013), ATSDR (2004)). Blood effects were also observed in tests in which cobalt chloride hexahydrate was orally administered to rats for 8 weeks (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013), ATSDR (2004)). In addition, in inhalation exposure tests on cobalt sulfate heptahydrate using rats or mice for 13 weeks or 2 years, inflammatory tissue changes in the respiratory organs were observed from the low concentration of 0.3 mg/m3 (0.11 mg/m3 as cobalt) in both rats and mice and also in the 13-week exposure test using rats, an influence in the blood (polycythemia, platelet count reduction, increased reticulocyte counts) was observed (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol.11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013), CICAD 69 (2006)). Furthermore, it was reported that in a test in which male mice were given by drinking water 200 to 800 ppm of cobalt dichloride 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 doses of 400 to 800 ppm (47 to 93 mg/kg/day, 21 to 42 mg/kg/day as cobalt) (converted guidance value: 19.6 to 39.2 mg/kg/day) (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 are the respiratory organs, haemal system, testes and the effects on testes and that on others correspond to Category 2 and category 1, respectively. Therefore, based on the information regarding the effects of repeated exposure to soluble cobalt compounds on humans and experimental animals, this substance was classified in Category 1 (nervous system, respiratory organs, cardiovascular system, thyroid, haemal system) and Category 2 (genetic organs (men)). |
| 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 3 |
- |
H402 |
P273
P501 |
From 96-hour LC50 = 12.7 mg Co/L for fish (Pimephales promelas) (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances vol. 11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013)) (converted to a cobalt formate equivalent: 32.1 mg/L), it was classified in Category 3. |
| 11 | Hazardous to the aquatic environment (Long-term) | Category 3 |
- |
H412 |
P273
P501 |
Reliable chronic toxicity data were not obtained. Due to unknown environmental dynamics of the inorganic compound, and acute toxicity Category 3, it was classified in Category 3. |
| 12 | Hazardous to the ozone layer | Classification not possible |
- |
- | - | No data available. |
NOTE:
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* 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. |