Ethyloxirane

CAS Registry Number 106-88-7

The Final Screening Assessment for Ethyloxirane was published on July 5, 2008 as part of Batch 1 of the Challenge initiative of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP). The assessment is summarized on this page.

What is it

• Ethyloxirane (also known as 1,2-epoxybutane) is a chemical used by industry in the manufacture of certain products.

How is it used

• Ethyloxirane is primarily used as a stabilizer in industrial solvents used for the removal of oils, lubricants, adhesives, inks and tars from a variety of metals, welded, machined, molded and diecast surfaces, as well as reinforced fiberglass and plastics.
• Ethyloxirane is also used in the manufacture of automobile coatings and in the production of other chemicals.
• Ethyloxirane is not currently used in consumer products.
• Based on the most recent data, ethyloxirane is imported into Canada but is not manufactured in Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it

• Ethyloxirane has been shown to cause cancer in some studies with laboratory animals. Although exposures to Canadians are low, the Government of Canada's objective is to minimize exposures to this substance.

What is the Government of Canada doing

• The Government of Canada has determined that ethyloxirane is "toxic" as defined under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
• To keep exposures low, the Government of Canada will propose the creation of a provision so that any proposed new use of ethyloxirane would be subject to notification of the federal government. With this provision, the government can set conditions or prohibit the use of ethyloxirane if the use would increase exposure to Canadians.
• Up-to-date information of the risk management action milestones for ethyloxirane is available.

What Canadians can do

• As consumers are not exposed to ethyloxirane, Canadians do not need to take specific action to reduce their exposure.