NITE - Chemical Management Field

GHS Classification Result

Chemical Name：Formaldehyde
CAS：50-00-0

Result：


ID:	69
Classifier:	Inter-ministerial Committee on GHS
Year Classified:	FY2006
Reference Manual:	GHS Classification Manual （10 Feb, 2006）

PHYSICAL HAZARDS

Hazard class		Classification	Symbol	Signal word	Hazard statement	Precautionary statement	Rationale for the classification
1	Explosives	Not applicable	-	-	-	-	Classified as "gas" according to GHS definition (gas). Containing no chemical groups with explosive properties (aqueous solution)
2	Flammable gases （including chemically unstable gases）	Category 1 (Gas), Not applicable (Aqueous solution)		Danger	H220: Extremely flammable gas (Gas)	P210: Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. - No smoking. P377: Leaking gas fire: Do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely. P381: Eliminate all ignition sources if safe to do so. P403: Store in a well-ventilated place.	Based on the description in ICSC (2004): the lower explosion limit is 7vol%. There is no applicable substance listed in the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (gas). Classified as "liquid" according to GHS definition (aqueous solution)
3	Aerosols	Not applicable	-	-	-	-	Not aerosol products
4	Oxidizing gases	Classification not possible (Gas), Not applicable (Aqueous solution)	-	-	-	-	No data available (gas). Classified as "liquid" according to GHS definition (aqueous solution)
5	Gases under pressure	Liquefied gas (Gas), Not applicable (Aqueous solution)		Warning	H280: Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated (Gas)	P410+P403: Protect from sunlight. Store in a well-ventilated place.	Classified as "liquefied gas," based on the description in ICSC (2004) (boiling point: -20degC) and HSDB (2005) (critical temperature: 137.2-141.2degC). There is no applicable substance listed in the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (gas). Classified as "liquid" according to GHS definition (aqueous solution)
6	Flammable liquids	Not applicable (Gas), Category 4 (Aqueous solution, 37% formaldehyde solution), Classification not possible (Aqueous solution, Solutions with unknown formaldehyde content)	-	Warning	H227: Combustible liquid (Aqueous solution, 37% formaldehyde solution)	P370+P378: In case of fire: Use ... for extinction. P403+P235: Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool. P210: Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. - No smoking. P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...	Classified as "gas" according to GHS definition (gas) The flash point of 37% formaldehyde solution is 85degC (c.c.) (ICSC (2004)), which is classified into Category 4. Solutions with unknown formaldehyde content cannot be classified because the flash point of formaldehyde (aqueous solution) depends on its concentrations. Classified into Class 8 (UN#2209 Solutions with a concentration of 25 % by mass of more), or Class 3 and 8 (UN#1198 Flammable solutions (aqueous solutions)), according to the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
7	Flammable solids	Not applicable	-	-	-	-	Classified as "gas" according to GHS definition (gas), or classified as "liquid" according to GHS definition (aqueous solution)
8	Self-reactive substances and mixtures	Not applicable	-	-	-	-	Classified as "gas" according to GHS definition (gas) Containing no chemical groups with explosive or self-reactive properties (aqueous solution)
9	Pyrophoric liquids	Not applicable (Gas), Not classified (Aqueous solution)	-	-	-	-	Classified as "gas" according to GHS definition (gas). The flash point of formaldehyde (gas) is 430degC (c.c.) (ICSC (2004)), not pyrophoric when in contact with air at ordinary temperature, and its solution not pyrophoric when in contact with air at ordinary temperature.
10	Pyrophoric solids	Not applicable	-	-	-	-	Classified as "gas" according to GHS definition (gas), or classified as "liquid" according to GHS definition (aqueous solution)
11	Self-heating substances and mixtures	Not applicable (Gas), Classification not possible (Aqueous solution)	-	-	-	-	Classified as "gas" according to GHS definition (gas). Test methods applicable to liquid substances are not available (aqueous solution)
12	Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases	Not applicable	-	-	-	-	Classified as "gas" according to GHS definition (gas). Containing no metals or metalloids (B, Si, P, Ge, As, Se, Sn, Sb, Te, Bi, Po, At) (aqueous solution)
13	Oxidizing liquids	Not applicable	-	-	-	-	Classified as "gas" according to GHS definition (gas). Organic compounds containing oxygen (but not fluorine and chlorine), with the oxygen bound to carbon and hydrogen (but not to other elements) (aqueous solution)
14	Oxidizing solids	Not applicable	-	-	-	-	Classified as "gas" according to GHS definition (gas), or classified as "liquid" according to GHS definition (aqueous solution)
15	Organic peroxides	Not applicable	-	-	-	-	Classified as "gas" according to GHS definition (gas) Organic compounds containing no "-O-O-" structure (aqueous solution)
16	Corrosive to metals	Classification not possible	-	-	-	-	Test methods applicable to gaseous substances are not available (gas). No data available. Corrosivity to metals remains uncertain, though classified as "corrosive substances" (as the classification based on UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods includes "skin corrosivity") (UN#1198 and 2209) (aqueous solution).

HEALTH HAZARDS

Hazard class		Classification	Symbol	Signal word	Hazard statement	Precautionary statement	Rationale for the classification
1	Acute toxicity （Oral）	Category 4		Warning	H302: Harmful if swallowed	P301+P312: IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell. P264: Wash ... thoroughly after handling. P270: Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P330: Rinse mouth. P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...	Based on the LD50 value of 605mg/kg calculated from the testing data of rat LD50 (oral route) of 600mg/kg (SIDS (2002)), 700mg/kg (SIDS (2002)) and 800mg/kg (SIDS (2002)).
1	Acute toxicity （Dermal）	Category 3		Danger	H311: Toxic in contact with skin	P302+P352: IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water. P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P312: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell. P322: Specific treatment （see ... on this label）. P361: Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. P363: Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P405: Store locked up. P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...	Based on the testing data of rabbit LD50 (dermal route) of 270mg/kg (EHC 89 (1989)).
1	Acute toxicity （Inhalation: Gases）	Category 2		Danger	H330: Fatal if inhaled	P304+P340: IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. P403+P233: Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P260: Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P271: Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P284: Wear respiratory protection. P310: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. P320: Specific treatment is urgent （see ... on this label）. P405: Store locked up. P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...	Based on the testing data of rat LC50 (inhalation of gas) of 480ppm (SIDS (2002)).
1	Acute toxicity （Inhalation: Vapours）	Classification not possible	-	-	-	-	No data available
1	Acute toxicity （Inhalation: Dusts and mists）	Classification not possible	-	-	-	-	No data available
2	Skin corrosion/irritation	Category 2		Warning	H315: Causes skin irritation	P302+P352: IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water. P332+P313: If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention. P264: Wash ... thoroughly after handling. P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P321: Specific treatment （see ... on this label）. P362: Take off contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.	Based on the testing data of rabbit skin irritation tests (EHC 89 (1989)): "mild to moderate" and data on human health effects (EHC 89 (1989)).
3	Serious eye damage/eye irritation	Category 2A		Warning	H319: Causes serious eye irritation	P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P337+P313: If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. P264: Wash ... thoroughly after handling. P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.	Based on epidemiological cases (EHC 89 (1989)) the results of animal eye irritation tests (SIDS (2002), EHC 89 (1989)) (moderate irritation).
4	Respiratory sensitization	Category 1		Danger	H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled	P304+P341: IF INHALED: If breathing is difficult, remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. P342+P311: If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. P261: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P285: In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection. P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...	Based on the testing data of IgE specific immune responses of guinea pigs (CICAD 40 (2002)) (positive), data on human health effects (EHC 89 (1989)) and the classification by the Japan Society for Occupational Health.
4	Skin sensitization	Category 1		Warning	H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction	P302+P352: IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water. P333+P313: If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention. P261: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P272: Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P321: Specific treatment （see ... on this label）. P363: Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...	Epidemiological cases (EHC 89 (1989), CERI-NITE Hazard Assessment No.71 (2005)) and the classification by the Japan Society for Occupational Health and the Japanese Society for Contact Dermatitis.
5	Germ cell mutagenicity	Category 2		Warning	H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects	P308+P313: IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention. P201: Obtain special instructions before use. P202: Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood. P281: Use personal protective equipment as required. P405: Store locked up. P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...	Based on the negative data on germ cell mutagenicity tests in vivo (chromosome aberration tests in the spermatocytes of mice), positive data on somatic cell mutagenicity tests in vivo (micronucleus and chromosome aberration tests) (exclusively for gastrointestinal/alveolar cells exposed directly to formaldehyde), and absence of data on germ cell genotoxicity tests in vivo, described in CERI-NITE Hazard Assessment No.71 (2005) and SIDS (2004). Some dominant lethal studies in rats show slightly positive (ambiguous), which is not taken into account, because they are not considered valid for evaluation purposes.
6	Carcinogenicity	Category 1A		Danger	H350: May cause cancer	P308+P313: IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention. P201: Obtain special instructions before use. P202: Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood. P281: Use personal protective equipment as required. P405: Store locked up. P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...	Due to the fact that the substance is classified as Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans) by IARC (2005).
7	Reproductive toxicity	Classification not possible	-	-	-	-	Insufficient data available
8	Specific target organ toxicity - Single exposure	Category 1 (nervous system, respiratory system)		Danger	H370: Causes damage to organs (nervous system, respiratory system)	P307+P311: IF exposed: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. P260: Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264: Wash ... thoroughly after handling. P270: Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P321: Specific treatment （see ... on this label）. P405: Store locked up. P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...	Based on the human evidence including "irritation to the respiratory tract ACGIH" (7th, 2001), "irritation to the respiratory tract, a decrease in the sensitivity of the nasal and palatine nerve, adverse effects on the hypothalamus" (CERI-NITE Hazard Assessment No.71 (2005)), and the evidence from animal studies including "irritation to the respiratory tract, general convulsions (muscles, etc.), pulmonary edema" (SIDS (2004)).
9	Specific target organ toxicity - Repeated exposure	Category 1 (respiratory system, central nervous system)		Danger	H372: Cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (respiratory system, central nervous system)	P260: Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264: Wash ... thoroughly after handling. P270: Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P314: Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...	In epidemiological study, respiratory effects caused by irritation and effects on the central nervous system were reported (ECETOC TR1 (1979)). In animal experimnet, squamous metaplasia in the nasal tissues, squamous metaplasia in the larynx, inflammation in the tracheal lumen, body weight loss, metaplasia of the bronchial epithelium, dyspnea, restlessness, hunched posture and death were reported (CERI Hazard Data Book (1997)). Based on these effects, the respiratory organs and centralnervous system are considered to be the target organs. And these effects were observed within the guidance values for Category 1 in the repeated-dose study. Therefore, the substance was classified as Category 1 (respratory organs, central nervous system).
10	Aspiration hazard	Classification not possible	-	-	-	-	Due to the fact that formaldehyde is a gas at ordinary temperatures and no data are available on the inhalation toxicity of formalin (formaldehyde solution) to the respiratory organs.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

Hazard class		Classification	Symbol	Signal word	Hazard statement	Precautionary statement	Rationale for the classification
11	Hazardous to the aquatic environment （Acute）	Category 2	-	-	H401: Toxic to aquatic life	P273: Avoid release to the environment. P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...	It was classified into Category 2 from 96 hours LC50=1.8mg/L of the fish (Morone Saxatilis) (CICAD40 (2002) and others.).
11	Hazardous to the aquatic environment （Long-term）	Not classified	-	-	-	-	Since there was rapidly degrading (the decomposition by BOD: 91% (Existing Chemical Safety Inspections Data)) and the bio-accumulation was low (log Kow=0.35 (PHYSPROP Database, 2005)), it was claasified into Not classified.

NOTE:

* 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.

Reference：

Reference Manual
Definitions / Abbreviations
Model Label by MHLW	MHLW Website （in Japanese Only）
Model SDS by MHLW	MHLW Website （in Japanese Only）