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H(azard) statements
In addition to a hazard pictogram, the labels of hazardous substances also contain so-called H and P phrases:
- the H phrases are hazard statements (H for hazard)
- the P phrases indicate precautions (P for precaution / safety recommendation)
This page contains a general description of the H phrases according to the GHS:
- H200 phrases Physical hazards
- H300 phrases Health Hazards
- H400 phrases Environmental Hazards
- EUH phrases
Subhazard category
The hazard classes are further subdivided into subhazard categories 1, 2, 3 or 4. Sub-hazard category 1 is the most dangerous.
Signal word
The category classification also has a signal word. The signal words can be: danger or warning.
H200 phrases
The H200 series of phrases contain warnings that relate to the material, physical hazards of a substance. The H-phrases are classified according to the type of hazard (explosive, flammable, etc.) and the appearance of the substance (gas, vapor aerosol, liquid, solid).
- H20x Explosion hazard
- H22x Flammable
- H24x Self-decomposition, explosion when heated
- H25x Self-heating, pyrophoric substances
- H26x Substances that can produce (flammable) gases with water
- H27x Oxidizing substances
- H28x Gases
- H29x Corrosive for metals
Some examples of H-sentences:
- H224 Extremely flammable liquid and vapor, category 1, hazard
- H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapor, category 2, hazard
- H226 Flammable liquid and vapor, category 3, warning
- H280 Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated, warning
H300 phrases
The H300 series phrases contain warnings that relate to the health hazards of a substance. For example, H-phrase 310 to H-phrase 312 refer to skin contact.
- H30x Oral toxicity
- H31x Dermal toxicity
- H33x Inhalation toxicity
- H34x Mutagenic
- H35x Carcinogen
- H36x Teratogenic
- H37x Causes damage to (target) organs
Some examples of H-sentences:
- H300 Fatal if swallowed
- H318 Causes serious eye damage
- H350 May cause cancer
H400 phrases
The H400 series phrases contain warnings that relate to the environmental hazards of a substance.
- H40x Acute Aquatic Hazard
- H41x Longer-term aquatic hazard
- H42x Danger to the ozone layer
Some examples of H-sentences:
- H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
- H420 Harmful to human health and the environment due to ozone depletion in the upper atmospheres
EUH phrases
The EU-GHS or CLP also contains EUH phrases that deal with additional information on hazards that are not included in the global GHS. These EUH phrases are also divided into material properties, health properties and additional information about certain substances or mixtures.
Some examples of EUH sentences:
- EUH014 Reacts violently with water
- EUH029 Forms toxic gas in contact with water
- EUH201 Contains lead. Must not be used for objects
An up-to-date overview of all EUH phrases can be found in this database.