GHS precautionary statement
P261: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray
- P261
- Prevention
P261 says: “Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray”. It is a prevention statement. P200 series: actions to take before and during use to prevent or minimise harm, such as avoiding ignition sources, using ventilation and wearing protective equipment.
About the prevention group
P200 series: actions to take before and during use to prevent or minimise harm, such as avoiding ignition sources, using ventilation and wearing protective equipment. See all precautionary statements for the full list.
Hazards that call for P261
The GHS data recommends P261 for these hazard statements.
| Code | Statement | Hazard class and category | Signal word |
|---|---|---|---|
| H317 | May cause an allergic skin reaction | Sensitization, Skin — Category 1, 1A, 1B | Warning |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled | Acute toxicity, inhalation — Category 3 | Danger |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled | Acute toxicity, inhalation — Category 4 | Warning |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation | Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation — Category 3 | Warning |
| H336 | May cause drowsiness or dizziness | Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects — Category 3 | Warning |
Chemicals using P261
62 chemicals in our database (showing the first 60 alphabetically). Classification comes from each chemical's primary GHS source, so a supplier's SDS may differ.
P261 frequently asked questions
What does P261 mean?
P261 says: "Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray". It is a prevention precautionary statement in the Prevention (P200 series).
Which hazards call for P261?
In the GHS data, P261 is recommended for hazard statements H317, H331, H332, H335, H336.
What type of statement is P261?
P261 is in the Prevention (P200 series). P200 series: actions to take before and during use to prevent or minimise harm, such as avoiding ignition sources, using ventilation and wearing protective equipment.
Precautionary statements are general recommendations. Follow the specific instructions on your product's label and safety data sheet.
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ghs/ghscode_10.txt (UN GHS Revision 10, retrieved 2026-10-12)