GHS / HazCom term · Glossary
Mutagenicity
Verified vs OSHA sources · 2026-10-05
A GHS health-hazard class (formally “germ cell mutagenicity”) for chemicals that can cause heritable genetic mutations — changes in the DNA of egg or sperm cells that can be passed to offspring. GHS sorts it into Category 1A (known), 1B (presumed), and Category 2 (suspected). Mutagens carry the health-hazard pictogram (GHS08).
Also known as: germ cell mutagenicity
Mutagenicity at a glance
- Concerns heritable mutations in germ (reproductive) cells — passed to offspring.
- Categories: 1A (known), 1B (presumed), 2 (suspected).
- Pictogram is GHS08 (health hazard); signal word “Danger” (1A/1B) or “Warning” (2).
- Hazard statements: H340 “May cause genetic defects” (1A/1B); H341 “Suspected…” (2).
In plain English
How a label flags a chemical that can damage DNA in a way that's passed to your children. Like carcinogens, the evidence is graded: 1A known, 1B presumed, 2 suspected — all marked with the health-hazard symbol.
What the source says, in summary
Germ cell mutagenicity: This hazard class is primarily concerned with chemicals that may cause mutations in the germ cells of humans that can be transmitted to the progeny.
In context
A classification or labeling concept from the UN Globally Harmonized System, adopted into US law through OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) and its appendices.
Where this is written in OSHA's rules
- 29 CFR 1910.1200 App A.5Read on eCFR / OSHA.gov
Example
A chemical with strong evidence of causing heritable mutations in animal studies is classified germ cell mutagenicity Category 1B. Its label shows the health-hazard pictogram (GHS08), the signal word “Danger,” and H340, “May cause genetic defects.”
Why it matters
Mutagenicity is a serious, long-latency hazard that overlaps closely with carcinogenicity — a mis- or under-classification hides a genetic risk from workers (including reproductive-age employees). OSHA cites classification and labeling errors for these health hazards under 1910.1200.
Mutagenicity vs. carcinogenicity
Mutagenicity is about heritable DNA changes in germ cells (passed to offspring); carcinogenicity is about causing cancer. Many carcinogens act through a mutagenic mechanism, so a chemical can be classified for both — but they are separate hazard classes with separate categories.
GHS germ cell mutagenicity categories
| Category | Meaning | Signal word · H-code |
|---|---|---|
| 1A | Known to cause heritable mutations (human evidence) | Danger · H340 |
| 1B | Presumed (animal evidence) | Danger · H340 |
| 2 | Suspected | Warning · H341 |
Mutagenicity: frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between mutagenicity and carcinogenicity?
- Mutagenicity concerns heritable mutations in germ cells that can be passed to offspring; carcinogenicity concerns causing cancer. They're separate GHS hazard classes, though many chemicals are classified for both because mutation is a common cancer mechanism.
- What are the GHS mutagenicity categories?
- Category 1A (known, from human evidence), 1B (presumed, from animal evidence), and Category 2 (suspected). 1A/1B use “Danger” and H340; Category 2 uses “Warning” and H341.
- What pictogram is used for mutagens?
- The health-hazard pictogram, GHS08 — the same symbol used for carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, respiratory sensitizers, STOT, and aspiration hazards.
Related terms
Free tools for this
Governing OSHA standards
More GHS terms
A GHS health-hazard class for the harmful effects that follow a single dose, several doses within 24 hours, or a 4-hour inhalation exposure. Chemicals are sorted into categories by route (oral, dermal, inhalation) using LD50/LC50 cut-offs — Category 1 is the most toxic. OSHA's HazCom standard uses Categories 1–4.
Aspiration HazardA GHS health-hazard class for chemicals that can be fatal if swallowed and then enter the airways — directly or by vomiting — causing chemical pneumonia or lung injury. Thin, low-viscosity hydrocarbons (gasoline, kerosene, lamp oil) are the classic example. It is Category 1, with the health-hazard pictogram (GHS08) and signal word “Danger.”
CarcinogenicityA GHS health-hazard class for chemicals that cause cancer or increase its incidence. GHS (and OSHA's HazCom standard) sorts carcinogens into Category 1A (known human carcinogen), 1B (presumed, from animal evidence), and Category 2 (suspected). Carcinogens carry the health-hazard pictogram (GHS08) and a hazard statement such as H350 (“May cause cancer”).
Chemicals Under PressureA physical-hazard class added by OSHA's 2024 HCS update (aligning with GHS Revision 7) for liquids or solids pressurized with a gas, held in pressure receptacles other than aerosol dispensers and not classified as gases under pressure. It is categorized by the flammability of its contents and always carries the gas-cylinder pictogram (GHS04) for the pressure hazard.
ClassificationThe process of evaluating the available scientific evidence for a chemical against the GHS criteria to decide whether it is hazardous and, if so, the hazard class and category of each effect. Classification is the first step in HazCom — its result determines every label element (pictogram, signal word, hazard and precautionary statements) and SDS content.
Corrosive to MetalsA GHS physical-hazard class for chemicals that, by chemical action, will materially damage or even destroy metals. It is a single category (Category 1), determined by corrosion-rate testing on steel and aluminum, and uses the corrosion pictogram (GHS05) with the hazard statement H290. It is a separate hazard from skin corrosion, even though both use GHS05.
Desensitized ExplosivesA physical-hazard class added by OSHA's 2024 HCS update (GHS Revision 7) for solid or liquid explosives that have been phlegmatized — wetted or diluted — to suppress their explosive properties for safe transport and storage. It has four categories based on the corrected burning rate, and uses the flame pictogram (GHS02), not the exploding-bomb.
Globally Harmonized System (GHS)An internationally agreed framework created by the United Nations (first adopted in 2003) that standardizes how chemical hazards are classified and communicated — using common hazard classes, pictograms, signal words (Danger / Warning), and coded hazard (H) and precautionary (P) statements on labels and safety data sheets. The US adopted GHS into law through OSHA's 2012 Hazard Communication Standard update.
Sources & verification
- 29 CFR 1910.1200 App A.5 (eCFR / OSHA.gov)
- OSHA — Appendix A to §1910.1200: Health Hazard Criteria (Mandatory)
- UNECE GHS — Part 3: Health Hazards
Reviewed by HazComFast against eCFR, OSHA.gov, NIOSH, and the Federal Register. Last reviewed 2026-10-05. This glossary is general information, not legal advice; OSHA State-Plan states (e.g. California, Michigan) may adopt stricter requirements.
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