GHS Classification Result （Revision of the past classification result）

Chemical Name：n-Hexane
CAS：110-54-3

Result：
ID: 21B3054
Classifier: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare （MHLW）, Ministry of the Environment （MOE）
Year Classified: FY2009
Reference Manual: GHS Classification Guidance by the Japanese Government （March, 2009）

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 - - - - Liquid (GHS definition)
3 Aerosols Not applicable - - - - Not aerosol products
4 Oxidizing gases Not applicable - - - - Liquid (GHS definition)
5 Gases under pressure Not applicable - - - - Liquid (GHS definition)
6 Flammable liquids Category 2 Danger H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapour P303+P361+P353: IF ON SKIN （or hair）: Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.
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.
P233: Keep container tightly closed.
P240: Ground/bond container and receiving equipment.
P241: Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting/.../equipment.
P242: Use only non-sparking tools.
P243: Take precautionary measures against static discharge.
P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P501: Dispose of contents/container to ... 		Flash point 22 degC (NFPA (13th, 2006)) is <23 degC and boiling point 69 degC (Howard (1997)) is >35 degC. The substance is classified into Class 3, PG II in UNRTDG (UN1208).
7 Flammable solids Not applicable - - - - Liquid (GHS definition)
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 classified - - - - Auto-ignition point is 225 degC (ICSC (J) (2000)) exceeding 70 degC.
10 Pyrophoric solids Not applicable - - - - Liquid (GHS definition)
11 Self-heating substances and mixtures Classification not possible - - - - Test methods applicable to liquid substances are not available.
12 Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases Not applicable - - - - The chemical structure of the substance does not contain metals or metalloids (B, Si, P, Ge, As, Se, Sn, Sb, Te, Bi, Po, At).
13 Oxidizing liquids Not applicable - - - - The substance does not contain oxygen, fluorine or chlorine.
14 Oxidizing solids Not applicable - - - - Liquid (GHS definition)
15 Organic peroxides Not applicable - - - - Organic compounds containing no bivalent -O-O- structure
16 Corrosive to metals Classification not possible - - - - No data available.

HEALTH HAZARDS
Hazard class Classification Symbol Signal word Hazard statement Precautionary statement Rationale for the classification
1 Acute toxicity （Oral） Not classified - - - - Based on LD50 values of 15,800, 28,700 and 32,400 mg/kg for rats (EHC 122 (1991)), the substance was classified into "Not classified".
1 Acute toxicity （Dermal） Classification not possible - - - - Classification not possible due to lack of data. As relevant information, although rabbits died at 5 mL/kg (3297 mg/kg) (PATTY (5th, 2001)), the details are unknown.
1 Acute toxicity （Inhalation: Gases） Not applicable - - - - Liquid (GHS definition)
1 Acute toxicity （Inhalation: Vapours） Not classified - - - - Based on LC50 values of 48,000 ppm/4h (Initial Environmental Risk Assessment of Chemicals (Ministry of the Environment), vol. 1 (2002)) and 74,000 ppm/4h (EHC 122 (1991)) for rats, the substance was classified as "Not classified". Since the saturated vapour pressure concentration is 157,895 ppmV (1 bar = 750 mmHg, vapour pressure: 160 mbar (20 degC), Hommel (1996)), the classification criteria for gas was adopted.
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. 		Slight irritation of rabbit skin was observed after semi-occlusive application for 24-hour (DFGOT vol. 14 (2000)). For humans, after occlusive application to the skin for 1 to 5-hour, erythema was observed. After 5-hour, formation of blisters was observed. The application of 1.5 mL to the skin of the forearm caused a stabbing and burning sensation and transient erythema (DFGOT vol. 14 (2000)). Additionally, the substance is classified into Xi; R38 in EU classification (EU-Annex I (access on July 2005)). Based on these data, the substance was classified into Category 2.
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. 		Based on a result of "slight irritation" after application of 0.1 mL to the eyes in a rabbit test (DFGOT vol. 14 (2000)), the substance was classified into Category 2.
4 Respiratory sensitization Classification not possible - - - - No data available.
4 Skin sensitization Classification not possible - - - - In a skin sensitizing test (maximization test) with 25 volunteers, negative results were reported for n-Hexane (DFGOT vol. 14 (2000), WHO (World Health Organization) (1991). IPCS-Environmental health criteria 122, WHO, Genf.). However, this information is not sufficiently convincing to judge that the substance is not sensitizing, therefore classification was not possible due to lack of sufficient data.
5 Germ cell mutagenicity Not classified - - - - Based on negative results in a mouse dominant lethal test by inhalation exposure (in vivo heritable germ cell mutagenicity test) (DFGOT vol. 14 (2000), ATSDR (1999)), a mouse erythrocyte micronucleus test by inhalation exposure (ATSDR (1999)) and a rat and mouse bone marrow chromosomal aberration tests by inhalation exposure (in vivo somatic cell mutagenicity test) (DFGOT vol. 4 (1992)), the substance was classified as "Not classified". As relevant information, although there is a report of positive in vivo chromosomal aberration tests using rat germ cells and bone marrow, the finding cannot be regarded as evidence of clastogenic effects due to methodology shortcomings (DFGOT vol. 14 (2000)). From in vitro mutagenicity tests, there are reports of negative Ames tests (EHC 122 (1993), ATSDR (1999)), 5178Y lymphoma assay (EHC 122 (1991)) and a negative CHO cell chromosomal aberration test (DFGOT vol. 4 (1992)).
6 Carcinogenicity Classification not possible - - - - In 2-year inhalation tests in rats and mice (GLP), no increases in incidences of tumors in any tissue were observed in male and female of rats, but a significant increase in incidence of hepatocellular neoplasia (Liver ademonas) was observed in female mice (DFGOT vol. 14 (2000)). Classification was not possible due to insufficient information for judgment and a lack of classifications by other organizations.
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 a two-generation reproductive test by inhalation exposure to rats, there were no effects on parental sexual function and fertility in either generation (F0 or F1) (DFGOT vol. 14 (2000)). Inhalation exposure of pregnant rats to 500 - 1500 ppm during gestation resulted in increased resorptions rates (EHC 122 (1991)). Following inhalation exposure to rats on days 6 - 17 of gestation, the number of live fetuses per litter was significantly reduced at the 5,000 ppm dose level, with a significant concentration dependent trend (ATSDR (1999)). These effects were observed at dose levels in which a reduced body weight gain was observed in maternal animals. In addition, the substance is classified into R62 in EU classification, and into "C" in MAC. Based on the data, the substance was classified into Category 2. In contrast, there is a report that the exposure of pregnant rats to 1000 ppm on days 8 - 16 of gestation did not result in a significant increase in resorptions rate (EHC 122 (1991)).
8 Specific target organ toxicity - Single exposure Category 3 （Narcotic effects, Respiratory tract irritation） Warning H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness (narcotic effects, respiratory tract irritation) 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.
P261: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P271: Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P312: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell.
P405: Store locked up.
P501: Dispose of contents/container to ... 		Dizziness in an inhalation test with human volunteers and sleepiness in exposed workers are reported (EHC 122 (1991)). In inhalation tests in rats and mice, ataxia, loss of coordination, sedation and narcosis were observed (EHC 122 (1991), PATTY (5th, 2001)). Based on these results, the substance was classified into Category 3 (narcotic effects). In addition, based on a report that irritation (or possibility of irritation) of the throat or upper respiratory tract occurred in humans after inhalation exposure (ACGIH (7th, 2001) and a report that inhalation in mice resulted in irritation of the respiratory tract (PATTY (5th, 2001)), the substance was classified into Category 3 (respiratory tract irritation).
9 Specific target organ toxicity - Repeated exposure Category 1 (nervous system) Danger H372: Cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (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 ... 		There are numerous case reports of polyneuropathy, peripheral neuropathy and polyneuritis caused by occupational exposure to the substance (Initial Environmental Risk Assessment of Chemicals (Ministry of the Environment) (2002), EHC 122 (1991), ACGIH (7th, 2001), DFGOT vol. 14 (2000), PATTY (4th, 1994), ATSDR (1999)). In many epidemiological tests of humans exposed to the substance, a relationship between exposure and the adverse effects was reported (Initial Environmental Risk Assessment of Chemicals (Ministry of the Environment) (2002), Japan Society For Occupational Health (JSOH) Recommendations for allowable concentrations (1993), DFGOT vol. 14 (2000), ATSDR (1999)). Based on the results of human case reports and epidemiological tests, the substance was classified into Category 1 (nervous system). In animal tests, peripheral neuropathy, neurobehavioral effects, axonal degeneration of the tibial nerve, weakness of the hind-limb and decreased nerve conduction velocity were observed by repeated inhalation or oral exposure to rats (PATTY (5th, 2001), EHC 122 (1991), DFGOT vol. 14 (2000)). Most of the symptoms are in common with those in humans.
10 Aspiration hazard Category 1 Danger H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways P301+P310: IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
P331: Do NOT induce vomiting.
P405: Store locked up.
P501: Dispose of contents/container to ... 		Since the substance is a hydrocarbon with a kinematic viscosity of 20.5 mm2/s or less at 40 degC, the substance was classified into Category 1. There is a report that aspiration caused chemical pneumonitis in rats (DFGOT vol. 4 (1992)).

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 ... 		Classified into Category 2 from its 48h-LC50 = 3.88 mg/L for Crustacea (Daphnia magna) (EHC 122, 1991).
11 Hazardous to the aquatic environment （Long-term） Not classified - - - - Classified into Not classified since it is rapidly degradable (BOD degradation rate: 100% (Biodegradation and Bioconcentration of Existing Chemical Substances under the Chemical Substances Control Law, 1996)) and low bioaccumulative potential is estimated (log Kow = 3.9 (PHYSPROP Database, 2009)).
12 Hazardous to the ozone layer Classification not possible - - - - This substance is not listed in Annexes to the Montreal Protocol.


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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