Four chemical substances in Batch 10 of the Challenge

  • Rosin, hydrogenated (HR)
    • CAS RN 65997-06-0
  • Resin acids and Rosin acids, hydrogenated esters with pentaerythritol (HRPE)
    • CAS RN 64365-17-9
  • Resin acids and Rosin acids, hydrogenated esters with glycerol (HRGE)
    • CAS RN 65997-13-9
  • Resin acids and Rosin acids, hydrogenated, esters with triethylene glycol (HRTE)
    • CAS RN 68648-53-3

What are they?

  • HR, HRPE, HRGE, and HRTE are industrial chemicals.

How are they used?

  • HR, HRPE, HRGE, and HRTE are organic UVCB (Unknown or Variable composition, Complex reaction products or Biological materials) substances.
  • HR, HRPE, HRGE, and HRTE may be used in soldering fluxes and pastes for use in electronic products, adhesives, automotive parts, and personal care products such as depilatory waxes and cosmetic products. HR may be used as an additive in pigments, dyes, and printing inks. HR and HRPE may also be used in pesticide formulations.
  • These substances are not manufactured in Canada but are imported into Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess them?

  • Prior to assessment, HR, HRPE, HRGE, and HRTE were identified as a potential concern to the environment based on information regarding possible persistence, accumulation in organisms and potential to cause harm to organisms.
  • HR, HRPE, HRGE, and HRTE were not considered to be high priorities for assessment of potential risks to human health; however, potential health effects were also evaluated in this screening assessment.

How are they released to the environment?

  • Small quantities of HR, HRPE, HRGE, and HRTE may be released to wastewater during industrial processes and from the use or disposal of consumer products containing these substances.

How are Canadians exposed to them?

  • Canadians may be exposed to low levels of HR, HRPE, HRGE, and HRTE as a result of using consumer products such as certain cosmetics (e.g. mascara and depilatory wax).

What are the results of the assessment?

  • The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of HR, HRPE, HRGE, and HRTE called a screening assessment.
  • Screening assessments address potential for harm to the general population (not including workplace exposures) and the environment.
  • Results of the final screening assessment indicate that although HR, HRPE, HRGE, and HRTE have the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, they are not expected to accumulate in organisms.
  • Furthermore, the quantities of HR, HRPE, HRGE, and HRTE that may be released to the environment are below the levels expected to cause harm to organisms.
  • The Government of Canada is therefore proposing that HR, HRPE, HRGE, and HRTE are not entering the environment in quantities or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment.
  • The Government of Canada is also proposing that HR, HRPE, HRGE, and HRTE are not harmful to the health of the general population at current levels of exposure.

What is the Government of Canada doing?

  • Based on the conclusion of the final screening assessment, no further action will be taken on these substances.
  • The final screening assessment report was published on January 15, 2011.

What can Canadians do?

  • The health risks associated with a chemical depend on the hazard (its potential to cause health effects) and the dose (the amount of chemical to which you are exposed). These substances are not a concern for the environment or human health at current levels of exposure.
  • As a general precaution, Canadians are reminded to carefully follow any safety warnings and directions when using any product.
  • Canadians who handle these substances in the workplace should consult with their occupational health and safety representative about safe handling practices, applicable laws and requirements under the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).

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