NITE - Chemical Management Field

Latest GHS Classification Results by the Japanese Government (edited by NITE)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Item	Information
CAS RN	67-56-1
Chemical Name	Methanol
Substance ID	m-nite-67-56-1_v1
Download of Excel format	Excel file

REFERENCE INFORMATION

Item	Information
Guidance used for the classification (External link)	To Guidance List
UN GHS document (External link)	To UN GHS document
FAQ（GHS classification results by the Japanese Government）	To FAQ
List of Information Sources (Excel file)	List of Information Sources
List of Definitions/Abbreviations	Definitions/Abbreviations
Sample Label by MHLW (External link)	MHLW Website (in Japanese Only)
Sample SDS by MHLW (External link)	MHLW Website (in Japanese Only)
OECD/eChemPortal (External link)	To OECD/eChemPortal (External link)

PHYSICAL HAZARDS

Hazard class		Classification	Pictogram Signal word	Hazard statement (code)	Precautionary statement (code)	Rationale for the classification	Classification year (FY)	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government
1	Explosives	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	There are no chemical groups associated with explosive properties present in the molecules.	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
2	Flammable gases	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	Liquid (GHS definition)	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
3	Aerosols	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	Not aerosol products	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
4	Oxidizing gases	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	Liquid (GHS definition)	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
5	Gases under pressure	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	Liquid (GHS definition)	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
6	Flammable liquids	Category 2	Danger	H225	P303+P361+P353 P370+P378 P403+P235 P210 P233 P240 P241 P242 P243 P280 P501	Flash point 12 degC (closed-cup) (ICSC (J) (2000)) is <23 degC and initial boiling point 65 degC (ICSC (J) (2000)) is >35 degC. The substance classified into Class 3, PG II in UNRTDG (UN1230).	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
7	Flammable solids	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	Liquid (GHS definition)	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
8	Self-reactive substances and mixtures	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	There are no chemical groups present in the molecule associated with explosive or self-reactive properties.	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
9	Pyrophoric liquids	Not classified	- -	-	-	Auto-ignition point is 464 degC (ICSC (J) (2000)) exceeding 70 degC.	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
10	Pyrophoric solids	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	Liquid (GHS definition)	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
11	Self-heating substances and mixtures	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	Test methods applicable to liquid substances are not available.	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
12	Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases	Not classified (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).	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
13	Oxidizing liquids	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	The substance is an organic compound containing oxygen (but not fluorine or chlorine) which is chemically bonded only to carbon or hydrogen.	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
14	Oxidizing solids	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	Liquid (GHS definition)	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
15	Organic peroxides	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	Organic compounds containing no bivalent -O-O- structure	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
16	Corrosive to metals	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	No data available.	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
17	Desensitized explosives	-	- -	-	-	-	-	-

HEALTH HAZARDS

Hazard class		Classification	Pictogram Signal word	Hazard statement (code)	Precautionary statement (code)	Rationale for the classification	Classification year (FY)	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government
1	Acute toxicity (Oral)	Category 4	Warning	H302	P301+P312 P264 P270 P330 P501	LD50 values of 6200 mg/kg (EHC 196 (1997)) and 9100 mg/kg (EHC 196 (1997)) for rats correspond to "Not classified". However, the toxic effects of methanol in primates is more pronounced than in rodents (EHC 196 (1997)) and a dose of 1400 mg/kg was lethal in approximately half of the cases (DFGOT vol. 16 (2001)). Based on the data, the substance was classified into Category 4.	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
1	Acute toxicity (Dermal)	Not classified	- -	-	-	Based on a LD50 value of 15800 mg/kg for rabbits (DFGOT vol. 16 (2001)), the substance was classified as "Not classified".	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
1	Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Gases)	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	Liquid (GHS definition)	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
1	Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Vapours)	Not classified	- -	-	-	Based on a LC50 value of >22,500 ppm (4-hour equivalence: 31,500 ppm) for rats (DFGOT vol. 16 (2001)), the substance was classified as "Not classified". Since saturated vapour pressure concentration was 116,713 ppmV, the classification criteria for gas was adopted.	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
1	Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Dusts and mists)	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	No data available.	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
2	Skin corrosion/irritation	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	Although there is an unpublished report that when applied to the skin of rabbits under occlusive conditions for up to 20-hour the substance was not irritating (DFGOT vol. 16 (2001)), classification was not possible due to lack of data in a skin irritation test. As relevant information, although there is a report that application to rabbit skin for 24-hour under occlusive conditions caused moderate skin irritation, this irritation was probably a result of the defatting action of methanol (DFGOT vol. 16 (2001)).	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
3	Serious eye damage/eye irritation	Category 2	Warning	H319	P305+P351+P338 P337+P313 P264 P280	In a rabbit Draize test, mean scores of conjunctivitis were judged to be 2 and higher (2.1) at 24, 48 and 72-hour after installation. Chemosis (score of 2.00) observed up to 4-hour had decreased significantly by 72-hour (score of 0.50) (EHC 196 (1997)). Since it is not clear whether the effects reversed within 7 days, sub-categorization was not performed. Based on the data, the substance was classified into Category 2.	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
4	Respiratory sensitization	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	No data available.	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
4	Skin sensitization	Not classified	- -	-	-	Based on a result of "not sensitizing" in a guinea pig skin sensitizing test (Magnusson-Kligman maximization test) (EHC 196 (1997)), the substance was classified as "Not classified". There are only a few reports of positive results obtained in human patch tests. It seems probable that they were the result of cross-reactions with various alcohols. In some of the cases, skin reactions also developed after the consumption of alcoholic drinks, also erythema. It cannot be concluded from these results that methanol has a significant sensitizing potential (DFGOT vol. 16 (2001)).	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
5	Germ cell mutagenicity	Not classified	- -	-	-	Based on negative results in mouse erythrocyte micronucleus tests (in vivo somatic cell mutagenicity tests) by inhalation exposure (EHC 196 (1997)) and by intraperitoneal administration (DFGOT vol. 16 (2001), PATTY (5th, 2001)), the substance was classified as "Not classified". As relevant information, from in vitro mutagenicity tests, there are reports of negative Ames tests (EHC 196 (1997), DFGOT vol. 16 (2001), PATTY (5th, 2001)), mouse lymphoma tests (EHC 196 (1997), DFGOT vol. 16 (2001)) and CHO cell chromosomal aberration tests (DFGOT vol. 16 (2001)). There is a report of a positive mouse lymphoma test only with metabolic activation (S9+) (EHC 196 (1997), DFGOT vol. 16 (2001)).	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
6	Carcinogenicity	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	In unpublished tests conducted by The New Energy Development Organization (NEDO) in Japan, no evidence of carcinogenicity was found in rats, mice or monkeys (EHC 196 (1997)). There is a report that there was a significant dose-response relationship for male and female rats for carcinomas of the head and neck and for females only hemolymphoreticular neoplasms when the substance was administered to rats in drinking water from 8-weeks until spontaneous death occurred (ACGIH (2009)). Determining tumors after spontaneous death is not comparable to the standard procedure, therefore, the evaluation or comparison is considered to be difficult. Based on the above information, classification was not possible.	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
7	Reproductive toxicity	Category 1B	Danger	H360	P308+P313 P201 P202 P280 P405 P501	In a developmental toxicity test by inhalation exposure to mice during organogenesis period, fetal resorptions and exencephaly were observed (PATTY (5th, 2001)). Additionally, similar effects including cleft palate were reported in other inhalation and oral exposure tests (EHC 196 (1997), DFGOT vol. 16 (2001)). For effects of methanol on reproduction, scientific decisions concerning health risks are generally based on what is known as "weight-of-evidence" approach. Recognizing the lack of human data and the clear evidence of laboratory animal effects, it was concluded that methanol may adversely affect human development if exposures are sufficiently high (NTP-CERHR Monograph (2003)). Based on the information, the substance was considered to be a presumed human reproductive toxicant and was classified into Category 1B.	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
8	Specific target organ toxicity - Single exposure	Category 1 (central nervous system, visual organs, systemic), Category 3 (narcotic effects)	Danger Warning	H370 H336	P308+P311 P260 P264 P270 P321 P405 P501 P304+P340 P403+P233 P261 P271 P312	The symptoms of acute poisoning from the substance include CNS-depression. Formate accumulates in the blood during a latency period which leads to metabolic acidosis, visual impairment or even total blindness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, Kussmaul breathing and coma. In some cases death is the final outcome (DFGOT vol. 16 (2001), EHC 196 (1997)). Further, CNS disorders, especially parkinsonism-like extrapyramidal symptoms were reported (DFGOT vol. 16 (2001)). Morphological changes, necrosis in the white substance of the brain were demonstrated (DFGOT vol. 16 (2001)). Based on the human information, the substance was classified into Category 1 (central nervous system). Additionally, the eye was regarded as a target organ since visual impairment is a characteristic effect. Additionally, systemic toxicity is regarded as a target organ based on the reports of headache, nausea, vomiting, tachypnea and coma as signs of metabolic acidosis. The effects of single exposures by inhalation include narcosis (EHC 196 (1997), PATTY (5th, 2001)). As an acute toxicity in humans, a narcotic effect results from central nervous system depression (PATTY (5th, 2001)). Based on the data, the substance was classified into Category 3 (narcotic effects).	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
9	Specific target organ toxicity - Repeated exposure	Category 1 (central nervous system, visual organs)	Danger	H372	P260 P264 P270 P314 P501	Based on a report that the most noted health consequence of longer-term exposure to lower levels of methanol is a broad range of ocular effects (EHC 196 (1997)), and that cases of chronic poisoning from occupational exposure to methanol were manifested by bilateral blindness (ACGIH (7th, 2001)), the substance was classified into Category 1 (eye). Additionally, based on the report that cases of chronic poisoning from repeated exposure to methanol vapour are manifested by headache, giddiness, insomnia, and gastric disturbances (ACGIH (7th, 2001)), the substance was classified into Category 1 (central nervous system). There are reports that changes in liver weight and hepatocellular hypertrophy were observed in rat oral administration tests (PATTY (5th, 2001), IRIS (2005)), however, these findings are considered to be adaptive changes and were not used as the basis of classification.	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
10	Aspiration hazard	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	No data available.	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

Hazard class		Classification	Pictogram Signal word	Hazard statement (code)	Precautionary statement (code)	Rationale for the classification	Classification year (FY)	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government
11	Hazardous to the aquatic environment Short term (Acute)	Not classified	- -	-	-	Classified into Not classified from its 96h-LC50 = 15400 mg/L for fish (Bluegill) (EHC 196, 1998) and 96h-LC50 = 1340 mg/L for Crustacea (Brown shrimp) (EHC 196, 1998).	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
11	Hazardous to the aquatic environment Long term (Chronic)	Not classified	- -	-	-	Classified into Not classified since its acute toxicity is Not classified and it is not non-water soluble (Water solubility = 1000000 mg/L (PHYSPROP Database, 2009)).	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）
12	Hazardous to the ozone layer	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	This substance is not listed in Annexes to the Montreal Protocol.	FY2009	GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）

NOTE:

GHS Classification Result by the Japanese Government is intended to provide a reference for preparing a GHS label or SDS for users. To include the same classification result in a label or SDS for Japan is NOT mandatory.
Users can cite or copy this classification result when preparing a GHS label or SDS. Please be aware, however, that the responsibility for a label or SDS prepared by citing or copying this classification result lies with users.
This GHS classification was conducted based on the information sources and the guidance for classification and judgement which are described in the GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government etc. Using other literature, test results etc. as evidence and including different content from this classification result in a label or SDS are allowed.
Hazard statement and precautionary statement will show by hovering the mouse cursor over a code in the column of "Hazard statement" and "Precautionary statement," respectively. In the excel file, both the codes and statements are provided.
A blank or "-" in the column of "Classification" denotes that a classification for the hazard class was not conducted in the year.
An asterisk “*” in the column of “Classification” denotes that “Not classified (or No applicable)” and/or “Classification not possible” is applicable. Details are described in the column of “Rationale for the classification”. If no English translation is available for “Rationale for the classification,” please refer to the Japanese version of the results.

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