GHS REFERENCE / H-CODES / H340

H340 — May cause genetic defects

The GHS hazard statement for germ cell mutagenicity, category 1 (1a, 1b). Here is what it means, the label elements that travel with it, and the substances that carry it.

At a glance

Official statementMay cause genetic defects.
Hazard classGerm cell mutagenicity
CategoryCategory 1 (1A, 1B)
Signal wordDanger
PictogramGHS08 Health hazardGHS08 — Health hazard

What it means

May cause heritable genetic damage — mutations in germ cells that can be passed to offspring (Category 1: known or presumed; Category 2: suspected).

Precautionary statements paired with H340

When the engine writes SDS Section 2 or a container label for a product carrying H340, these are the P-codes it assigns, in the official Annex 3 groups:

PreventionP201Obtain special instructions before use.
P202Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood.
P280Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
ResponseP308IF exposed or concerned:
P313Get medical advice/attention.
StorageP405Store locked up.
DisposalP501Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations.

Substances that carry H340

429 of the 4,225 substances in our database carry H340 when classified in pure form — recognizable examples:

  • benzene — CAS 71-43-2
  • (2-chloroethyl)(3-hydroxypropyl)ammonium chloride — CAS 40722-80-3
  • [NMA] — CAS 924-42-5
  • [The residue from low temperature coal tar oils after an alkaline wash, such as aqueous sodium hydroxide, to remove crude coal tar acids. Composed primarily of hydrocarbons and aromatic nitrogen bases.] — CAS 122384-78-5

Same hazard class: H341

Reference information, not legal or professional advice. Statement texts and allocations follow GHS Rev 9 / 29 CFR 1910.1200 Appendix C as implemented by our classification engine; the regulatory text and agency practice control. Claims last reviewed July 23, 2026.

The engine writes these for you.

When SDS HQ authors an SDS or a container label, it assigns the hazard statements, signal word, pictograms, and precautionary statements from these same tables — automatically, with the calculation shown.

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