News Details
Japan Adds 17 Chemicals to List of Strong Mutagens
On 10 April 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) updated its list of chemicals identified as strong mutagens on the Workplace Safety Site. With this update, MHLW added 17 newly notified chemicals. Mutagenic chemicals are regulated under the country’s Industrial Safety and Health Law (ISHL). With this addition, the list now contains a total of 1363 chemicals including 244 existing and 1119 newly notified mutagens.
Understanding Strong Mutagens
Mutagens are substances or agents that can cause genetic mutations, leading to changes in an organism’s DNA. Mutagenic effects can result in serious health problems such as cancer, birth defects, and genetic disorders. Strong mutagens are chemicals or physical agents with a high potential to cause significant genetic mutations.
Previous Update in November 2023
On 30 November 2023, the MHLW added 18 newly notified chemicals to the list of strong mutagens, bringing the total to 1346 at that time.
Obligations for Stakeholders
Under Notification No. 312 (published on 17 May 1993), entities involved in the manufacturing and handling of strong mutagens are required to:
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Measure the work environment
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Implement exposure prevention strategies
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Provide occupational health education
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Prepare labelling and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
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Maintain records for up to 30 years
We acknowledge that the above information has been compiled from Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) and Workplace Safety Site-Japan.
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