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Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (산업안전보건연구원)
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Classified Chemicals in Accordance with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals: Comparison of Lists of the European Union, Japan, Malaysia and New Zealand

  • Yazid, Mohd Fadhil H.A. (Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)) ;
  • Ta, Goh Choo (Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)) ;
  • Mokhtar, Mazlin (Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM))
  • Received : 2019.10.31
  • Accepted : 2020.03.14
  • Published : 2020.06.30
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Abstract

Background: The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) was developed to enhance chemical classification and hazard communication systems worldwide. However, some of the elements such as building blocks and data sources have the potential to cause "disharmony" to the GHS, particularly in its classification results. It is known that some countries have developed their own lists of classified chemicals in accordance with the GHS to "standardize" the classification results within their respective countries. However, the lists of classified chemicals may not be consistent among these countries. Method: In this study, the lists of classified chemicals developed by the European Union, Japan, Malaysia, and New Zealand were selected for comparison of classification results for carcinogenicity, germ cell mutagenicity, and reproductive toxicity. Results: The findings show that only 54%, 66%, and 37% of the classification results for each Carcinogen, Mutagen and Reproductive toxicants hazard classes, respectively are the same among the selected countries. This indicates a "moderate" level of consistency among the classified chemicals lists. Conclusion: By using classification results for the carcinogenicity, germ cell mutagenicity, and reproductive toxicity hazard classes, this study demonstrates the "disharmony" in the classification results among the selected countries. We believe that the findings of this study deserve the attention of the relevant international bodies.

Keywords

References

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