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

Japanese



GENERAL INFORMATION
 
Item Information
CAS RN 7646-79-9
Chemical Name Cobalt(II) chloride
Substance ID m-nite-7646-79-9_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 molecule. FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
2 Flammable gases Not classified (Not applicable)
-
-
- - Solid (GHS definition). FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
3 Aerosols Not classified (Not applicable)
-
-
- - Not aerosol products. FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
4 Oxidizing gases Not classified (Not applicable)
-
-
- - Solid (GHS definition). FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
5 Gases under pressure Not classified (Not applicable)
-
-
- - Solid (GHS definition). FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
6 Flammable liquids Not classified (Not applicable)
-
-
- - Solid (GHS definition). FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
7 Flammable solids Not classified
-
-
- - It is not combustible (GESTIS (Access on August 2015)). FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
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. FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
9 Pyrophoric liquids Not classified (Not applicable)
-
-
- - Solid (GHS definition). FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
10 Pyrophoric solids Not classified
-
-
- - It is not combustible (GESTIS (Access on August 2015)). FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
11 Self-heating substances and mixtures Not classified
-
-
- - It is not combustible (GESTIS (Access on August 2015)). FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
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))
FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
13 Oxidizing liquids Not classified (Not applicable)
-
-
- - Solid (GHS definition). FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
14 Oxidizing solids Classification not possible
-
-
- - It is an inorganic compound containing chlorine, but the classification is not possible due to no data. FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
15 Organic peroxides Not classified (Not applicable)
-
-
- - It is an inorganic compound. FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
16 Corrosive to metals Classification not possible
-
-
- - Test methods applicable to solid substances are not available. FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
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 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. FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
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. FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
1 Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Gases) Not classified (Not applicable)
-
-
- - Solid (GHS definition) FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
1 Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Vapours) Not classified (Not applicable)
-
-
- - Solid (GHS definition) FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
1 Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Dusts and mists) Classification not possible
-
-
- - Classification not possible due to lack of data. FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
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. FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
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. FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
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)).
FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
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)). FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
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. FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
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)). FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
7 Reproductive toxicity Category 1B


Danger
H360 P308+P313
P201
P202
P280
P405
P501
[Rationale for the Classification]
As for data in experimental animals, information on reproductive effects of this substance itself is limited, and toxicity effects related to dosing of this substance are thought to be caused by cobalt ion after absorption in the body. Therefore, information on other water-soluble cobalt compounds was also used for this hazard class. As for effects in humans, it is reported that teratogenicity of cobalt chloride is not observed as written in (5). From (1), (3), (4), water-soluble cobalt compounds cause testicular toxicity and adverse effects on sperms in males and decrease the ability to impregnate females (fertilizing capacity). It is reported that fetotoxicity and teratogenicity occurred at doses where maternal animals did not show marked toxicity in rats and mice (2). From the above, for water-soluble cobalt compounds including this substance, in an oral route, adverse effects on the male genetic organs and decreased fertilizing capacity are reported, and it is reported that teratogenicity was shown at doses without maternal toxicity. Therefore, it was classified in Category 1B for this hazard class.

[Evidence Data]
(1) In a test in which mice were exposed to cobalt sulfate heptahydrate (CAS: 10026-24-1) by inhalation for 13 weeks, decreased sperm motility at or above 3 mg/m3 and decreased weight of the testis and epididymis, an increased ratio of abnormal sperms at 30 mg/m3 were observed (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol. 11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013), NICNAS IMAP (Accessed Oct. 2018)).
(2) As the result of dosing cobalt (II) sulfate (CAS: 10124-43-3) to pregnant rats by gavage through a gestation period, at the doses (25, 50 mg/kg/day) lower than 100 mg/kg/day where maternal animals showed slight effects (increases in relative weight of the liver, adrenal gland, and spleen), in addition to low values of fetal body weight, delayed development and increased malformations (malformations mainly in the cranium, spine, pelvis, renal tubule, ovary, and testis) in the skeletal system and viscera were observed. When pregnant mice were dosed with this substance at 50 mg/kg/day by gavage during the organogenesis period (gestation days 6-15), delayed development of the skeletal system and an increased incidence of malformations (mainly in the eyelid, kidney, cranium, and spine) were also observed in fetuses (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol. 11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013)).
(3) As the result of dosing male mice with this substance by drinking water for 12 weeks followed by mating with untreated females, decreases in the numbers of embryo resorptions and live fetuses at or above 200 ppm (25 mg/kg/day), decreases in the numbers of pregnant females and implantation sites at or above 400 ppm (47 mg/kg/day) were observed. Decreases in weight of the testis, epididymis and so on, a decreased number of sperms in the testis and epididymis, and decreased spermatogenesis were observed in males, and a decreased number of pregnant females is thought to be caused by decreased male fertility (Environmental Risk Assessment for Chemical Substances Vol. 11 (Ministry of the Environment, 2013), NICNAS IMAP (Accessed Oct. 2018), Initial Risk Assessment Report (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 2009)).
(4) As the result of dosing male mice with this substance by drinking water at 72 mgCo/kg/day for 10 weeks followed by mating with untreated females, a decreased number of pregnant animals, a decreased number of live fetuses per litter, and an increased number of preimplantation losses per litter were observed in a dosed group. The results mentioned above are thought to be effects of decreased male fertility from decreased sperm concentrations. In a recovery group in which dosing males by drinking water was followed by mating and 6-week cessation of dosing, motility and movement speed of sperms became normal while concentrations did not (Initial Risk Assessment Report (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 2009)).

[Reference Data, etc.]
(5) It is reported that teratogenicity is not observed in humans and that clinical changes were not observed in newborns from women who took cobalt chloride as an anti-anemia drug at delivery (Initial Risk Assessment Report (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 2009)).
(6) It is classified in Repr. 1B in EU CLP.
FY2018 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
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.
FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
9 Specific target organ toxicity - Repeated exposure Category 1 (nervous system, respiratory organs, cardiovascular system, thyroid, blood 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).
FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
10 Aspiration hazard Classification not possible
-
-
- - Classification not possible due to lack of data. FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))

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) 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. FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
11 Hazardous to the aquatic environment Long term (Chronic) 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.
FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
12 Hazardous to the ozone layer Classification not possible
-
-
- - No data available. FY2015 GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))


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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