NITE - Chemical Management Field

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

GENERAL INFORMATION

Item	Information
CAS RN
Chemical Name	Cotton dust
Substance ID	m-nite-nocas-0032_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)	- -	-	-	It is estimated that there are no chemical groups present in the molecule associated with explosive properties.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
2	Flammable gases	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	"Solids" according to GHS definition.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
3	Aerosols	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	Not an aerosol product.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
4	Oxidizing gases	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	"Solids" according to GHS definition.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
5	Gases under pressure	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	"Solids" according to GHS definition.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
6	Flammable liquids	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	"Solids" according to GHS definition.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
7	Flammable solids	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	It is combustible, but the classification is not possible due to no data.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
8	Self-reactive substances and mixtures	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	It is estimated that 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)	- -	-	-	"Solids" according to GHS definition.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
10	Pyrophoric solids	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	Due to no data, the classification is not possible.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
11	Self-heating substances and mixtures	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	The classification is not possible due to no data. Besides, cotton waste (oily) and cotton (wet) are assigned UN1364 and UN1365 respectively in UNRTDG classification and are both classified in class 4.2, PGIII. They are self-heating and correspond to Category 2.	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 (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	Not containing metals or metalloids (B, Si, P, Ge, As, Se, Sn, Sb, Te, Bi, Po, At).	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
13	Oxidizing liquids	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	"Solids" according to GHS definition.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
14	Oxidizing solids	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	It is an organic compound which does not contain fluorine or chlorine but contains oxygen, and the oxygen is not chemically bonded to the elements other than carbon or hydrogen.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
15	Organic peroxides	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	It is an organic compound that does not contain bivalent -O-O- structure in the molecule.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
16	Corrosive to metals	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	No established test method suitable for solid substances.	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)	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	Due to lack of data, the classification is not possible.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
1	Acute toxicity (Dermal)	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	Due to lack of data, the classification is not possible.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
1	Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Gases)	Not classified (Not applicable)	- -	-	-	"Solids" according to 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)	- -	-	-	"Solids" according to 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	- -	-	-	Due to lack of data, the classification is not possible.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
2	Skin corrosion/irritation	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	Due to lack of data, the classification is not possible. Besides, it is written that wearing garments induces irritation and chemical residues could cause skin reaction (IARC 48 (1990)).	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
3	Serious eye damage/eye irritation	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	Due to lack of data, the classification is not possible.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
4	Respiratory sensitization	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	Due to lack of data, the classification is not possible.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
4	Skin sensitization	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	Due to lack of data, the classification is not possible. Besides, it is written that "irritant fibres" or chemical residues could cause skin reaction when wearing garments (IARC 48 (1990)).	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
5	Germ cell mutagenicity	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	Due to lack of data, the classification is not possible.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
6	Carcinogenicity	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	Carcinogenicity evaluation by IARC was conducted including epidemiological studies on exposure to cotton dust. Because there is limited evidence for increased risk of carcinogenicity such as bladder cancer and nasal cavity tumor in workers in the textile manufacturing industry, IARC classified in Group 2B (IARC 48 (1990)). On the other hand, ACGIH investigated literature published by the middle of 2009 as follows: it is reported that in a study in female workers engaged in the textile industry and exposed to cotton dust, a risk for laryngeal and pharyngeal cancer increased and supraglottic laryngeal cancer cases were significantly associated with the previous history of exposure to cotton dust; on the other hand, it is reported that significantly decreased risk for laryngeal and pharyngeal cancer was reported in workers exposed to cotton dust; it is reported that in a case-control study of paranasal cancer in female workers in occupational exposure, there is an association of cancer with the history of exposure to all fibers including wool and synthetic, but no association in limiting to cotton dust; it is reported that in a case-control study, there was an association of rectal cancer and cases in occupational exposure to cotton dust for over 15 years in subjects with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; however, in many other study reports, there was no excess risk of carcinogenicity in workers handling cotton dust (ACGIH (7th, 2010)). Instead, in multiple epidemiological study reports, lung cancer mortality and pancreatic cancer incidence had been reduced in cotton dust exposed groups vice versa, and it is even speculated that endotoxin included in cotton dust may have protective effects against lung cancer (ACGIH (7th, 2010)). From the above, ACGIH classified carcinogenicity in occupational exposure to cotton dust in A4 (ACGIH (7th, 2010)). Also in this classification, the substance was classified as "Classification not possible" by supporting the ACGIH's classification.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
7	Reproductive toxicity	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	Due to lack of data, the classification is not possible. Besides, it is written that in a Czech national surveillance system for congenital malformations, a significant association between exposure to cotton dust in parents and an incidence of malformations was observed (ACGIH (7th, 2010)), but no other available data for the classification.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
8	Specific target organ toxicity - Single exposure	Category 1 (respiratory organs)	Danger	H370	P308+P311 P260 P264 P270 P321 P405 P501	This substance is known for effects on respiratory organs in humans and experimental animals. As for humans, cotton textile workers (inhalation exposure at 0.62 mg/m3) showed a cough, a feeling of chest tightness, shortness of breath, dyspnea, as well as a significant decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and acute effects on lung function. Besides, cotton dust workers (unknown concentration) showed the similar acute signs, known as so-called byssinosis. In inhalation experiments using volunteers, bronchoconstriction was observed at 167 mg/mL of diluent pulverized cotton bracts (ACGIH (7th, 2010), PATTY (6th, 2012)). There is other knowledge that health effects by acute and chronic exposure to cotton dust are decreased lung function, a feeling of chest tightness (byssinosis), and hypersensitive bronchitis (IARC 48 (1990), PATTY (6th, 2012)). As for experimental animals, physiological airway responsive provocation is known as a guinea pig model of byssinosis by acute dust inhalation as it is in humans. It is reported that polymorphonuclear cell infiltration to bronchi and alveoli is a critical mechanism. Cynomolgus monkeys were in single intratracheal inhalation exposure to aerosolized soluble cotton dust extract (34 or 100 mg/mL) in a test, in which a more than 45% decrease in dynamic respiratory resistance and bronchoconstriction potential of this substance were shown (ACGIH (7th, 2010)). From the above, effects of this substance on respiratory organs cannot be classified from experimental animal data. However, because apparent effects on respiratory organs are known in humans, and the similar effects as in humans are also known in animals, the substance was classified in Category 1 (respiratory organs).	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
9	Specific target organ toxicity - Repeated exposure	Category 1 (respiratory organs)	Danger	H372	P260 P264 P270 P314 P501	As for humans, byssinosis, decreased lung function, and chronic bronchitis were reported (ACGIH (7th, 2010), PATTY (6th, 2012)). In a histopathological examination, emphysema, pulmonary heart, the deposit of dust in the lung, squamous epithelial metaplasia, inflammation in bronchi, mucous gland hyperplasia, goblet cell dysplasia and so on were reported (PATTY (6th, 2012)). Therefore, the substance was classified in Category 1 (respiratory organs). Besides, as for experimental animals, in a 52-week inhalation exposure test using guinea pigs, changes in breathing rate and depth, bronchiolar epithelial hyperplasia, and type II cell hyperplasia were observed at 21 mg/m3 within the range of Category 2 (ACGIH (7th, 2010)).	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
10	Aspiration hazard	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	Due to lack of data, the classification is not possible.	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)	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	No data.	FY2015	GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government (FY2013 revised edition (Ver. 1.1))
11	Hazardous to the aquatic environment Long term (Chronic)	Classification not possible	- -	-	-	No data.	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.	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.

To GHS Information