GHS Classification Result (Revision of the past classification result)

Chemical Name:Arsenic acid
CAS:7778-39-4

Result:
ID: 20A2340
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 (aqueous solution) - - - - There are no chemical groups associated with explosive properties present in the molecules.
2 Flammable gases (including chemically unstable gases) Not applicable (aqueous solution) - - - - The aqueous solution is a GHS-defined liquid.
3 Aerosols Not applicable (aqueous solution) - - - - Not aerosol products.
4 Oxidizing gases Not applicable (aqueous solution) - - - - The aqueous solution is a GHS-defined liquid.
5 Gases under pressure Not applicable (aqueous solution) - - - - The aqueous solution is a GHS-defined liquid.
6 Flammable liquids Not classified (aqueous solution) - - - - The aqueous solution is non-combustible (according to HSDB (2006), a 0.5 hydrated form is non-combustible).
7 Flammable solid Not applicable (aqueous solution) - - - - The aqueous solution is a GHS-defined liquid.
8 Self-reactive substances and mixtures Not applicable (aqueous solution) - - - - There are no chemical groups present in the molecule associated with explosive or self-reactive properties.
9 Pyrophoric liquids Not classified (aqueous solution) - - - - The aqueous solution is non-combustible (according to HSDB (2006), a 0.5 hydrated form is non-combustible).
10 Pyrophoric solids Not applicable (aqueous solution) - - - - The aqueous solution is a GHS-defined liquid.
11 Self-heating substances and mixtures Classification not possible (aqueous solution) - - - - The aqueous solution is a liquid. Test methods applicable to liquid substances are not available.
12 Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases Not classified (aqueous solution) - - - - It is stable in contact with water (this substance exists only in a form of aqueous solution (Lide, 84th, 2003)).
13 Oxidizing liquids Classification not possible - - - - It is an inorganic compound containing oxygen. Although the ICSC (2004) states that the 80% aqueous solution is a strong oxidant, classification is not possible due to lack of data. It is rated as UNRTDG Division 6.1 (UN No. 1553 (liquid)).
14 Oxidizing solids Not applicable (aqueous solution) - - - - The aqueous solution is a GHS-defined liquid.
15 Organic peroxides Not applicable (aqueous solution) - - - - It is not an organic compound.
16 Corrosive to metals Classification not possible - - - - No data available. It is rated as UNRTDG Division 6.1 (UN No. 1553 (liquid)).

HEALTH HAZARDS
Hazard class Classification Symbol Signal word Hazard statement Precautionary statement Rationale for the classification
1 Acute toxicity (Oral) Category 2 Danger H300: Fatal if swallowed P301+P310: IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
P264: Wash ... thoroughly after handling.
P270: Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P321: Specific treatment (see ... on this label).
P330: Rinse mouth.
P405: Store locked up.
P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...
Since the LD50 values were found to be 48 and 48-100 mg/kg in oral administration tests using rats (HSDB (2003)), the substance was classified into Category 2. Arsenic acid exists only in an aqueous solution.
1 Acute toxicity (Dermal) Classification not possible - - - - No data available.
1 Acute toxicity (Inhalation: Gases) Not applicable - - - - Liquid (GHS definition)
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 Classification not possible - - - - Inorganic arsenic compounds are reported to be irritants (DFGOT vol. 21, 2005). Due to lack of additional test data, classification is not possible.
3 Serious eye damage/eye irritation Category 2 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.
Since inorganic arsenic compounds are reported to irritate human eyes (HSG 70, 1992; PIM 042, 1996), the substance was classified into Category 2.
4 Respiratory sensitization Classification not possible - - - - No data available.
4 Skin sensitization Classification not possible - - - - No test results for this substance are available. Although inorganic arsenic compounds may cause skin sensitization in humans, this is not a definitive conclusion (ATSDR, 2007; HSG, 1992). According to EHC 224 (2001), dermal sensitization to inorganic arsenic appears to be a rare occurrence in humans. Overall, due to insufficient study results available, the substance was classified into the "classification not possible" category.
5 Germ cell mutagenicity Classification not possible - - - - Although in vitro chromosomal aberration tests gave positive results (Initial Risk Assessment Report (NITE, CERI, NEDO) (2008)), classification is not possible due to insufficient test results available.
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 ...
It is rated as "K" (arsenic compounds, inorganic) by the NTP (2005), "Group 1" (arsenic and arsenic compounds) by the IARC (1987), "A1" (arsenic and inorganic compounds) by the ACGIH (2001), and "1" (arsenic and compounds (as As)) by Japan Society for Occupational Health). Based on these ratings, the substance was classified into Category 1A.
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 ...
According to EHC 224 (2001) and Initial Risk Assessment Report (NITE, CERI, NEDO, (2008)), in oral administration tests using mice, rats, or rabbits, increased resorptions and decreased fetal weights were observed at doses that had general toxic effects on maternal animals. Thus, the substance was classified into Category 2.
8 Specific target organ toxicity - Single exposure Category 1 (digestive system, circulatory system, nervous system, blood system, respiratory system, skin, kidney, liver) Danger H370: Causes damage to organs (digestive system, circulatory system, nervous system, blood system, respiratory system, skin, kidney, liver) 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 ...
No test results were found on single exposure to this substance other than lethal effects. In humans, the following acute toxic effects by arsenic compounds are documented: symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, nerves, and blood system; conjunctivitis and dermatitis as well as irritation to the nasal mucosa, pharynx, and trachea; frequent urination or anuria due to a blockage of renal tubules with clots of hemoglobin (IARC 23 (1980)); depression of bone marrow functions; and hepatomegaly (EHC 224 (2001)). In accordance with these reports, the digestive system, circulatory system, nerves, blood system, respiratory system, skin, kidney, and liver were considered to be target organs of these compounds, and this substance was classified into Category 1 (digestive system, circulatory system, nervous system, blood system, respiratory system, skin, kidney, and liver).
9 Specific target organ toxicity - Repeated exposure Category 1 (digestive system, circulatory system, nervous system, kidney, liver, blood system, respiratory system, skin) Danger H372: Cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (digestive system, circulatory system, nervous system, kidney, liver, blood system, respiratory system, skin) 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 ...
No test results on repeated exposure to this substance were found. According to EHC 224 (2001) on arsenic and its inorganic compounds in relation to humans, gastrointestinal tract disorder; nervous disorder; effects on the blood system; and abnormalities in cardiovascular system, kidney, and liver were observed. Thus, target organs for these substances are the gastrointestinal tract, heart, brain, and kidney. In addition, the skin, bone marrow and peripheral nervous system are also affected by these substances. Moreover, according to ACGIH (2001), the upper respiratory tract and lung are also affected. Based on these reports, this substance was classified into Category 1 (digestive system, circulatory system, nervous system, kidney, liver, blood system, respiratory system, and skin).
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) - - - - - -
11 Hazardous to the aquatic environment (Long-term) - - - - - -


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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