Japan Requests Companies Submit Hazard Information for 27 Ethyl Hydrogen Sulfates

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and Ministry of the Environment (MOE) in Japan recently issued a joint notification, calling on relevant companies to provide hazard information on ethyl hydrogen sulfates for a comprehensive risk assessment.

Ethyl hydrogen sulfate is primarily used in the pharmaceutical industry as a solvent or reaction medium to aid in the synthesis of various drugs. It is also applied in the production of dyes and pigments. Due to its corrosive nature and toxicity, appropriate safety measures must be taken when handling ethyl hydrogen sulfate, such as wearing protective gear, ensuring proper ventilation, adhering to safety regulations, and proper disposal to prevent environmental pollution.

According to a report by the Joint Committee on Chemical Substance Assessment in January this year, a detailed risk assessment is now necessary due to the previous lack of comprehensive hazard information on ethyl hydrogen sulfate. The departments plan to designate eligible chemicals as priority assessment chemicals by early 2025, while others will be considered general chemicals.

Detailed information on the 27 ethyl hydrogen sulfates and related chemicals, including specific substance names and CAS numbers, can be accessed through the following website.

The required test results include:

• Degradation test of chemical substances by microorganisms;
• Algae growth inhibition test;
• Daphnia acute swimming inhibition test – this determines the impact on the mobility of the water flea; and
• Fish acute toxicity test.

These tests are intended to evaluate the potential environmental and biological impacts of ethyl sulfate. The departments will decide based on the provided data whether this information is suitable for risk assessment. While some test results may be made public, the submitted documents and any information that can identify specific individuals or companies will be treated confidentially.

All information must be submitted by mail or in person to the METI by November 22, 2024.

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Further Information

Files (in Japanese)