GHS Classification Result

Chemical Name:zinc powder - zinc dust (stabilized)
CAS:7440-66-6

Result:
ID: 20A2067
Classifier: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Ministry of the Environment (MOE)
Year Classified: FY2008
Reference Manual: GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government (Sep, 2008)

PHYSICAL HAZARDS
Hazard class Classification Symbol Signal word Hazard statement Precautionary statement Rationale for the classification
1 Explosives Not applicable - - - - There are no chemical groups associated with explosive properties present in the molecules.
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 solid Classification not possible - - - - Its powder or dust is rated UN No. 1436, and it is described in IMDGC to be "easily ignited, causing explosion". Its particle size and shape influence the result, so classification should be conducted according to the Note in UN document 2.7.2.4 by performing predetermined tests. Lump of zinc is considered to be "Not classified".
8 Self-reactive substances and mixtures Not applicable - - - - There are no chemical groups present in the molecule associated with explosive or self-reactive properties.
9 Pyrophoric liquids Not applicable - - - - Solid (GHS definition)
10 Pyrophoric solids Not classified - - - - Its autoignition point is 460degC (ICSC (1994), ICSC (J) (1994)), which is above 70degC.
11 Self-heating substances and mixtures Classification not possible - - - - Its powder or dust is rated UN No. 1436, and it is described in IMDGC to be "easily ignited, causing explosion". Its particle size and shape influence the result, so classification should be conducted according to the Note in UN document 2.7.2.4 by performing predetermined tests. Lump of zinc is considered to be "Not classified".
12 Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases Classification not possible - - - - Its powder or dust is rated UN No. 1436, and it is described in IMDGC to be "easily ignited, causing explosion". Its particle size and shape influence the result, so classification should be conducted according to the Note in UN document 2.7.2.4 by performing predetermined tests. Lump of zinc is considered to be "Not classified".
13 Oxidizing liquids Not applicable - - - - Solid (GHS definition)
14 Oxidizing solids Not applicable - - - - Inorganic substance containing no oxygen, fluorine or chlorine
15 Organic peroxides Not applicable - - - - Inorganic substance containing no bivalent -O-O- structure in the molecule
16 Corrosive to metals Classification not possible - - - - The substance is a solid with its melting point at 419.5degC (Merck (2006), Incompatible Hazard Handbook of Chemicals (Tokyo Fire Department), 1997). No proper testing methods for solid substances with melting points at 55degC or higher have been established.

HEALTH HAZARDS
Hazard class Classification Symbol Signal word Hazard statement Precautionary statement Rationale for the classification
1 Acute toxicity (Oral) Not classified - - - - Based on its LD50 > 2000 mg/kg for rats (OECD Guideline 401; Initial Risk Assessment Report (NITE, CERI, NEDO) (2007)), the substance was classified into "Not classified".
1 Acute toxicity (Dermal) Classification not possible - - - - No data available.
1 Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Gases) Not applicable - - - - Solid (GHS definition)
1 Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Vapours) Classification not possible - - - - No data available.
1 Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Dusts and mists) Not classified - - - - Based on its LC50 > 5410 mg/m3 for rats (OECD Guideline 403; Initial Risk Assessment Report (NITE, CERI, NEDO) (2007)), the substance was classified into "Not classified".
2 Skin corrosion/irritation Not classified - - - - There is no available data on metallic zinc, but it is described that its effects are similar to those of zinc oxide. Since zinc oxide is not skin irritating (EU-RAR (2004)), the substance was classified into "Not classified".
3 Serious eye damage/eye irritation Category 2B - Warning H320: Causes 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.
Since the substance has been documented to be slightly irritating, showing such reactions as conjunctival redness and edema in a test using rabbits (Initial Risk Assessment Report (NITE, CERI, NEDO) (2007)), it was classified into Category 2B.
4 Respiratory sensitization Classification not possible - - - - No data available.
4 Skin sensitization Not classified - - - - There is no available data on metallic zinc, but it is described that its effects are similar to those of zinc oxide. Since zinc oxide is not skin irritating (EU-RAR (2004)), the substance was classified into "Not classified".
5 Germ cell mutagenicity Classification not possible - - - - No data available.
6 Carcinogenicity Classification not possible - - - - Due to a lack of epidemiological reports clarifying carcinogenicity, international organizations such as ACGIH (as of 2005), IARC (2005), EPA (2005), and NTP (2005) have not evaluated the carcinogenicity of zinc and its compounds (Initial Risk Assessment Report (NITE, CERI, NEDO) (2007)). Thus, the substance was classified into "Classification not possible" due to lack of data.
7 Reproductive toxicity Classification not possible - - - - Since there is no available data on metallic zinc, the substance was classified into "Classification not possible". Zinc is an essential trace element, and a lack thereof induces pathological dysfunctions, such as deficiency disorders and excess disorders including dermatitis, dysgeusia, diarrhea, and anemia. In humans, such cases as significant increase of pregnancy complications and reduced body weight in children born caused by reduced zinc concentration in blood have been reported (Initial Risk Assessment Report (NITE, CERI, NEDO) (2007)).
8 Specific target organ toxicity - Single exposure Classification not possible - - - - In a test using rats, mild signs such as piloerection, diarrhea, bradypnea, and blepharospasm were seen, but the doses are unknown (Initial Risk Assessment Report (NITE, CERI, NEDO) (2007)). In humans, symptoms such as lung symptoms including dyspnea, dry cough, and metal-fume fever caused by zinc fumes are seen (EHC (No. 221, 2001). However, since zinc fumes mainly consist of but zinc oxides rather than metallic zinc (EU-RAR (2004)), these symptoms are suggested to be caused by zinc oxides. Thus, the substance was classified into "Classification not possible" due to lack of data.
9 Specific target organ toxicity - Repeated exposure Classification not possible - - - - It is documented that in humans, after exposure at 124 mg/m3/50 months, cough and dyspnea (affecting the lungs and chest parts), after exposure at 2.4 mg/m3/5 years, normocytic anemia, and effects on bilirubin and cholesterol, and after exposure at 70 mg/kg/10 weeks, hematological changes and enzyme inhibition were observed (RTECS (2008)). However, since the document does not provide levels of symptoms and due to lack of data, the substance was classified into "Classification not possible". As relevant information, zinc is an essential trace element, and a lack thereof induces pathological dysfunctions, such as deficiency disorders and excess disorders including dermatitis, dysgeusia, diarrhea, and anemia (Initial Risk Assessment Report (NITE, CERI, NEDO) (2007)).
10 Aspiration hazard Classification not possible - - - - No data available.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
Hazard class Classification Symbol Signal word Hazard statement Precautionary statement Rationale for the classification
11 Hazardous to the aquatic environment (Acute) Category 1 Warning H400: Very toxic to aquatic life P273: Avoid release to the environment.
P391: Collect spillage.
P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...
Since its 72h-ErC50 = 0.15 mg/L for algae (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata) (EHC (No. 221, 2001)), the substance was classified into Category 1.
11 Hazardous to the aquatic environment (Long-term) Category 1 Warning H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects P273: Avoid release to the environment.
P391: Collect spillage.
P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...
From acute toxicity Category 1 and for lack of rapid degradability judged from a metal, it was classified in Category 1.


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)


Updated date:
2016/10/31  A collection to Rationale for the classification in Hazardous to the aquatic environment (Long-term)


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