GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government

whereas the reference value is set in mg/L in the column of vapour inhalation of the main body
of the table since a test described as conducted for “vapour” actually has “inclusion of mist” in
some cases, in which cases the concentration cannot be indicated accurately unless indicated in
mg/L. The values shown here are the same as the classification reference values of gas. In text
3.1.2.6.2, the same point is repeatedly described.
In accordance with the gist of Note (d) of Table 3.1.1. and the text paragraph 3.1.2.6.2 of the
UN GHS second revised edition, classification of acute toxicity in the case of “inhalation” is
performed as follows.
1) As for gas based on the definition of GHS, the category reference values (ppmV) of gas
are applied.
2) When an experiment is performed at the concentration of the saturated vapour pressure or
more with the vapour generated from liquids, the substance is determined as “mists”, and
the category reference values of “dusts and mists” are applied.
3) When an experiment is performed at the concentration of the saturated vapour pressure or
less with the vapour generated from liquids, the substance is handled as “vapours”. When
handled as "vapours", since there are cases where mists are estimated to be included and
where mist is estimated to be hardly included in accordance with GHS, categorization is
performed based on the following a) to d).
a) When mists are estimated to be included, categorization is performed based on the
reference values in the unit of mg/L shown in the row of “vapours” in the Table.
b) When mist is estimated to be hardly included, categorization is performed based on the
reference values (the same values as for gases) in the unit of ppmV shown in the Note
(d) of Table 3.1.1
c) When the ATE(LC50)value obtained from a test is between the value for the saturated
vapour pressure concentration of the substance and a value corresponding to that of the
saturated vapour pressure concentration, the substance is determined as “vapour with
included mists” with consideration of the possibility of mist inclusion, and 1) is applied.
In case of lower concentration, the substance is determined as “vapour with hardly
included mist”, and 2) is applied.
d) When description in a document is in mg/L, values therein are converted into those in
ppmV based on the molecular weight and temperature, and the above method is applied.
If the temperature during the inhalation test is not described, the unit conversion is
performed by assuming that the temperature is 25°C and the volume of gas of 1 mole is
24.45 L.
4) When it is described that a test is conducted definitely for “mists”, the substance tested is
treated as mist.
5) Since it is also presumed that vapour generated from solid is inhaled, the vapour which is
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