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Cyclopentasiloxane, decamethyl-
(D5)
CAS Registry Number 541-02-6

What is it?

• Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, also known as D5, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• D5 is found or used in the manufacture of a wide variety of products.
• The predominant use of D5 worldwide and in Canada is in manufacturing silicone polymers and in blending and formulating consumer products. D5 is used in personal care products such as hair/skin care products, antiperspirants and deodorants.
• Biomedical uses of silicones include medical devices, blood-handling equipment, as a blood defoaming agent, as protective barriers, lubricants and as surface treatment of wound dressings. Silicone fluids containing D5 have also been approved as active and non-active ingredients in pharmaceuticals in Canada, the most common use being in anti-flatulence drugs.
• D5 is also used in industrial processes (as a defoamer, surfactant in certain pesticide products); in lubricants, cleaning products, sealants, adhesives, waxes, polishes and coatings. An increasing number of commercial dry cleaners in Canada use D5 as a dry-cleaning fluid.
• D5 is not currently manufactured in Canada; however, it is imported into Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess It?

• D5 was identified as a potential concern to the environment based on available information regarding possible persistence, accumulation and potential to cause harm to the environment.

How is it released to the environment?

• Because D5 is used to make so many different products, it may be released to the environment from many different sources. It can then stay in the environment for a long time. It can also harm animals or plants that live in the water.
• D5 may enter the environment in a sufficient quantity or under conditions that would be harmful to the environment or its biological diversity.

What is the Government of Canada doing?

• The Government has conducted an evaluation of D5 based on science, called a screening assessment.
• The Government of Canada has determined that D5 is harmful to the environment.
• However, D5 is not considered to be harmful to human health.
• The Government of Canada is considering measures to control the potential risks posed by D5, including:
  • regulations to limit the quantity or concentration of D5 in certain personnel care and where appropriate in other consumer products;
  • regulations to prevent or minimize releases to the environment from industrial users of D5;
  • reassessment of D5 contained in pesticides, as part of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency's formulant reassessment program; and
  • monitoring of D5 in the environment.
• The final screening assessment report and proposed risk management approach document were published on January 31, 2009. The proposed risk management approach will be subject to a 60-day public comment period ending April 1, 2009.