GHS Classification Result

Chemical Name:cobalt dichloride
CAS:7646-79-9

Result:
ID: 20A2241
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 Not classified - - - - Nonflammable (ICSC (J) (2004)).
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 - - - - Nonflammable (ICSC (J) (2004)).
11 Self-heating substances and mixtures Not classified - - - - Nonflammable (ICSC (J) (2004)).
12 Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases Classification not possible - - - - It contains a metal (Co). No test data available.
13 Oxidizing liquids Not applicable - - - - Solid (GHS definition)
14 Oxidizing solids Classification not possible - - - - Inorganic compound containing halogen. Classification is not possible due to lack of data.
15 Organic peroxides Not applicable - - - - Inorganic compounds containing no bivalent -O-O- structure in the molecule
16 Corrosive to metals Classification not possible - - - - Test methods applicable to solid substances are not available.

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 ...
Among its rat LD50 values of 42.4 mg/kg bw, 358 mg/kg/day, and 418 mg/kg (ATSDR (2004)), the majority of them fell under Category 4 guidance values. Thus, the substance was classified into Category 4. Also, it is rated as R22 (equivalent to Category 3 or 4) in the EU classification (EU-Annex 1 (accessed in January 2009).
1 Acute toxicity (Dermal) Not classified - - - - Based on its rat LDLo value of 2000 mg/kg (RTECS (2008)), the substance was classified into "Not classified" using the JIS classification criteria (Category 5 or "Not classified" in the United Nations classification).
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) Classification not possible - - - - Its rabbit TCLo value of 0.5 mg/m3/6h/4w (conversion value: 3*10^-5 mg/L/4h) is documented (RTECS (2008)); however, since this dataset does not allow the specification of a category for the substance, it was classified into "Classification not possible".
2 Skin corrosion/irritation Classification not possible - - - - The substance causes skin irritation in humans (HSDB (2004)); however, there is no test information that can be used as grounds for the classification of this substance. Thus, the substance was classified into "Classification not possible" due to lack of data.
3 Serious eye damage/eye irritation Classification not possible - - - - The substance, in its dust or solid form, causes eye irritation (HSDB (2004)), and it is documented that a short-term exposure of the substance causes eye irritation (ICSC (J) (2004)). However, classification is not possible due to lack of detailed data.
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 ...
Cobalt and cobalt compounds are rated as 1 by the Japan Society for Occupational Health (JSOH (2008)), and R42/43 by the EU (EU-Annex 1 (accessed in January 2009)). In addition, asthma cases were found in factory workers (DFGOT (vol. 23, 2007)). Based on these reports, the substance was classified into Category 1.
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 ...
Cobalt and cobalt compounds are rated as 1 by the Japan Society for Occupational Health (JSOH (2008)), and R42/43 by the EU (EU-Annex 1 (accessed in January 2009)). Since positive results have been reported several times in animal tests (LLNA and maximization tests) and human patch tests, the substance was classified into Category 1.
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 ...
Negative results were obtained from in vivo dominant lethal tests using mice (DFGOT (vol. 23, 2007)), whereas positive results were acquired from in vivo chromosomal aberration tests using mouse bone marrow cells and micronucleus tests (DFGOT (vol. 23, 2007)). Since in vivo genetic toxicity tests using germ cells are not available, the substance was classified into Category 2. Regarding in vitro tests, negative results have been reported in Ames tests; DNA damage tests using human fibroblasts, CHO cells, HeLa cells, or human leukocytes; and gene mutation tests using V79 cells (DFGOT (vol. 23, 2007)).
6 Carcinogenicity Category 2 Warning H351: Suspected of causing 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 ...
Cobalt and cobalt compounds are rated as 2B by the Japan Society for Occupational Health (JSOH (2008)), 2B by the IARC (IARC (vol. 86, 2006)), and A3 by the ACGIH (ACGIH (2001)); thus, the substance was classified into Category 2. As additional information, the substance is rated as Cat. 2 by the EU (EU-Annex 1 (accessed in January 2009)). Cases of goiter have been documented in humans (HSDB (2004)).
7 Reproductive toxicity Category 2 Warning H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child 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 ...
In the tests using mice that underwent administration in drinking water for 12 weeks (200, 400, or 800 mg/L), lowered fertility and a decrease in implantation sites and survival rate of the offspring were observed (CICAD 69 (2006)). In addition, in the tests using mice that underwent administration in drinking water for 10 weeks (400 ppm), an increase in loss of pre-implantation embryos, and a decrease in gestation rates, number of pups per litter, and fertility were observed. These documents report clear cases of reproductive toxicity, while no descriptions on general toxicity are provided; thus, the substance was classified into Category 2. Also, the substance is rated as Cat. 3 (R60) in the EU classification (which is equivalent to Category 1B) (EU-Annex 1 (accessed in January 2009)).
8 Specific target organ toxicity - Single exposure Category 1 (systemic toxicity) Danger H370: Causes damage to organs (systemic toxicity) 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 ...
There is a human case that a 19-month old boy swallowed a solution containing this substance (dose unknown), and died after 6.5 hours in spite of having him vomit and applying treatment (ATSDR (2004)). In addition, there is a description that the ingestion of the substance by children may cause cyanosis due to the inhibition of erythrocyte synthesis, coma, or death (HSDB (2004)). The effects of this substance documented include retrosternal chest pain, tinnitus, nausea and vomiting, nerve deafness, thyroid hyperplasia with tracheal oppression, myxedema, and malaise (HSDB (2004)). In forced oral administration tests using rats, decreased spontaneous activity was observed at 4.25 mg/kg (ATSDR (2004)). Based on death cases observed in humans, the substance was classified into Category 1 (systemic toxicity).
9 Specific target organ toxicity - Repeated exposure Category 1 (lung, nervous system, thyroid), Category 2 (blood, cardiac muscle, genitalia) Danger
Warning
H372: Cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (lung, nervous system, thyroid)
H373: May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (blood, cardiac muscle, genitalia)
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 ...
Oral administration of 150 mg/day to 6 males of ages 20 to 47 resulted in an increase in erythrocytes by 16 to 20% (CICAD 69 (2000)). An accidental intake of the substance (2.5 g) by 6-year old child resulted in vomiting and neutropenia (HSDB (2004)). In inhalation tests using rabbits treated with 0.4-2 mg/m3 for 14-weeks, a peculiar nodule increase of type II pneumocytes was detected (Japan Society for Occupational Health (2008)). In 3-week oral administration tests using rats treated with 50 mg/kg bw/ cobalt chloride (90-day correction: 12 mg/kg), myocytolysis was observed (CICAD 69 (2006)). In forced oral administration tests using rats treated with 0.05 or 2.5 mg/kg/day for 7-months, delayed latency reflex was observed in animal groups treated with 2.5 mg/kg/day (90-day correction: 5.8 mg/kg/day) (ATSDR (2006)). In 4-week mixed diet tests using rats treated with 3.79 mg/kg/day (90-day conversion: 1.17 mg/kg/day), atrophy of the thyroid gland was detected (ATSDR (2004)). In 45-day administration tests through drinking water using mice treated with 26 mg/kg/day, necrosis and inflammation of the thyroid gland were observed (ATSDR (2004)). Finally, in 12-week administration tests through drinking water using mice treated with 200-800 mg/L, testicular weight markedly decreased, and in four other tests, decreased testicular weight and testicular degeneration or atrophy were detected (IARC (vol. 86, 2006), ATSDR (2004)). Based on these results, the substance was classified into Category 1 for lung, nervous system and thyroid gland, and Category 2 for blood, cardiac muscle and genitalia. With regard to animal tests, documents that addressed serious cases were adopted as rationale for the classification.
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 96h ErC50 = 0.6 mg/L for algae (green algae) (CICADS 69 2006), 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 ...
Since the substance is inorganic, it is considered not to be rapidly biodegradable, and its classification for acute toxicity is Category 1; thus, the substance was classified into 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)


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